‘From idea to reality’: The AgriFutures Women’s Acceleration Grant taps into the creativity of regional Australian women to better the future of rural industries and communities.
The innovation and creativity that women in regional Australia bring to the table is an underappreciated asset that contributes to the prosperity and future of rural Australia.
AgriFutures Australia is working to change this, offering support to innovative women through a grant program that’s been running for three successful years.
The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant is a game-changing opportunity for Australian women with an early-stage idea for driving innovation in rural industries, communities and businesses. It’s awarded with a learning and development bursary of up to $7,000 for professional development, alongside support from a network of fellow powerhouse individuals.
Not to be confused with AgriFuture’s well-known Rural Women’s Award, the Acceleration Grant provides a leadership stepping stone for women who are not quite ready to apply for the larger award.
“The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s leading Award empowering and celebrating the inclusive and courageous leadership of women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities,” Jennifer Galloway, the Acting General Manager for Workforce, Communication and Adoption tells Women’s Agenda.
“The biggest difference between the two programs is that the Rural Women’s Award requires applicants to have an existing project, business or program whereas AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant is aimed at women with an idea, cause of vision that benefits rural or emerging industries, businesses or communities.”
This additional offering helps AgriFutures Australia to nurture more women, giving them pathways to opportunity.
“Regional Australia is brimming with untapped innovative and creative ideas that set local industries and communities up for the future,” says Galloway, who manages the Capacity Building team, responsible for investing in leadership, capacity and skills development programs that support those who drive rural industries and regional communities.
“The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant has equipped 21 women with the skills and knowledge needed to develop their project from idea to reality,” she says, noting that with so many worthy success stories, it’s hard to pin down just one that stands out.
For anyone thinking about applying to the Acceleration Grant, however, Galloway wholeheartedly advises them to take the chance and believe in their abilities.
Applications for the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant open on Wednesday, 21 August 2024.
