For this grant opportunity, the Centre welcomes applications to design and deliver a four-year ASEAN-Australia Young Women Entrepreneurs' Exchange Program ('the Program').

The Program will be required to support at least one cohort of at least 27 participants (from all ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste and Australia) per annum for four years (from 2024-25 to 2027-28) to participate in a 12-week mentoring and leadership program. The program will include at least a one week visit to Australia by participants to participate in networking and workshop events. The grant funding will need to cover the travel costs of participants (including flight, accommodation and any per diems)

The objectives of the program are to:

• bring together young (aged between 18 years and less than 40 years) female social entrepreneurs from Australia, all ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste for online and in-person leadership development, business and creative skills building and collaboration, and 
• strengthen connections, deepen learning and provide networking opportunities for young female social entrepreneurs.

The intended outcomes of the program are:

• support women Entrepreneurs to scale-up and expand into international markets
• increased Women economic participation increased business, trade, tourism and investment between Australia and ASEAN and Timor-Leste
• increased cross-cultural connections between Australian and Southeast Asian business , and
• increased, positive, awareness of ASEAN-Australia relations among Australian and Southeast Asian business communities.

The Australian Government has announced a total of $1.8 million over four years (2024-25 to 2027- 28) for this Program or a maximum grant amount of $450,000 per year.

This grant opportunity is open to female founded entities only (majority owned and led by women) - see  guidelines for further details on eligibility.

Applications with Southeast Asian partners are strongly encouraged.

Applications from Indigenous Australians and Indigenous

Australian-led organisations are strongly encouraged.

Applicants with diverse abilities are welcomed.

• Email: aseanaustraliacentre@dfat.gov.au