The Tomorrow Makers IGNITE program supports social enterprises in their startup phase through a 12-month grant and capability development program that will ensure they commence trading within that 12 month of starting the program.

The IGNITE Tomorrow Makers will receive a grant of up to $110,000 to provide financial support to further develop the social enterprise and fund the bespoke capacity building support they will receive through resources, tools and programs to progress the social enterprise to be market ready. They will also receive support from sector and business experts, and a mentor.

How many grants are awarded each year?

Up to 8 IGNITE Tomorrow Makers will be awarded. Each recipient may be an individual or a team of up to two people.

Social enterprise

Up to $100,000 can be used to fund the startup associated costs of the social enterprise (salaries, operational costs, development and prototyping costs, travel and additional capacity building costs outside the $10,000).

Capacity building

A minimum of $10,000 of the grant to be used for capacity building.

The funding can be used to cover:

• Engaging sector and business experts aligned with your professional development and impact plan construct objectives with a service provider aligned with the Tomorrow Makers program
• Mentoring and coaching
• Short courses (max 4 weeks) and conferences

The grant will be distributed in two installments based on the completion of key milestones. 

Eligibility

Anyone with a social enterprise business model ready to start operating or an existing social enterprise ready to scale their existing operations can apply for IGNITE.

Requirements for your social enterprise

You must choose at least one of the following areas of social impact. The alignment will help ensure that your social enterprise is eligible for consideration under the Tomorrow Makers program.

• Female-led businesses 
  • This funding stream focuses on supporting social enterprises that are led by women or have a primary focus on empowering women, with a focus on empowering and supporting women entrepreneurs, increasing gender diversity in business, or addressing issues that disproportionately affect women.
• First Nations People 
  • This funding stream is dedicated to supporting social enterprises that are created by or for Indigenous communities, with a focus on promoting the well-being and empowerment of First Nations People in Australia. It recognises the importance of Indigenous perspectives, culture, and knowledge in driving positive social impact, promoting reconciliation, empowerment, economic development and social justice.
• Retiring with Dignity 
  • This funding stream aims to support social enterprises that improve the quality of life for older Australians transitioning into retirement or facing retirement challenges. It focuses on projects that promote social inclusion, health and well-being, financial security, and active aging, supporting seniors in their later years.
• Improving Financial Fairness 
  • This funding stream aims to support social enterprises that focus on improving financial literacy. It includes initiatives that promote financial education, budgeting skills, savings, investments, and other financial tools, empowering vulnerable or disadvantaged individuals and communities to make informed financial decisions and build financial resilience.

• Email: amp_foundation@amp.com.au