WESTPAC FEMALE FOUNDER AWARDS

You can enter if you: 
 

• Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Are an owner or part‑owner of the business being entered
• The business must be at least 50% women‑owned and women‑led
• Hold an active Australian ABN
• Are compliant with taxation and regulatory requirements

Yes. Early‑stage and startup businesses are encouraged to enter the Trailblazer category. 

Yes. Founders may enter more than one category if their business meets the eligibility criteria.

• Trailblazer – Early-stage businesses (less than 3 years) that have developed an innovative product, service, or business model. They are disrupting their industry, market, or the status quo. 

• Thrive – Established businesses (3 years or over) that have demonstrated sustained success and adaptability.

• Greater Good – Businesses and social enterprises whose products or services drive positive change in our communities, creating impact that is meaningful and commercially sustainable.

• Westpac Female Founder of the Year – Selected from the pool of 15 finalists, the best of the best. A founder who has stood out, whether for their impact, growth potential or ability to inspire others.​

You’ll be asked to provide: 
 

• Business details
• A written response tailored to your chosen category

Submissions are completed online via the SmartyGrants platform.

Yes. Our submissions platform SmartyGrants allows you to save progress and return before submitting.

Yes. You’ll receive an automated confirmation email once your application is successfully submitted.

All submissions are assessed through a transparent, evidence‑based process that includes: 
 

• Eligibility screening 
• Independent scoring by judges using weighted criteria

Each category has specific judging criteria, assessing areas such as innovation, traction, impact, leadership, scalability and sustainability. 

If you have any questions on the awards program or submission platform, please contact the following;

Awards program information: femalefounders@westpac.com.au

Technical assistance: service@smartygrants.com.au

Category Winners: Trailblazer, Greater Good, Thrive (3 in total)

The three category winners will receive:

• Award Certificate
• Use of Westpac Award logo for 12 months
• $10,000 to support their business
• Mentorship or coaching, with the choice of one of the options below:
  • A half day media training session with Chris Urquhart: Immediate Communications
  • 12 months mentoring and education program with Inspiring Rare Birds: Rare Birds - Creating Diverse and Inclusive Work Cultures
  • Six 70-minute private coaching session with Sonia Bestulic: Flourish with Sonia
     

Female Founder of the Year Winner

The Female Founder of the Year will receive:

• Award Certificate
• Use of Westpac Award logo for 12 months
• $30,000 to support their business
• Mentorship or coaching, with the choice of one of the options below:
  • A half day media training session with Chris Urquhart: Immediate Communications
  • 12 months mentoring and education program with Inspiring Rare Birds: Rare Birds - Creating Diverse and Inclusive Work Cultures
  • Six 70-minute private coaching session with Sonia Bestulic: Flourish with Sonia
• 1 month paid advertising campaign, covering digital and press adverts with News Corp, to the value of $120,000

The Westpac Female Founder Awards are designed for commercially operating businesses and social enterprises. As such, not for profit organisations and registered charities are not eligible to apply.