Embarq Grant Program

Your idea.
Your shot.

Each quarter, Embarq commits up to $250,000 to back the next generation of Queensland founders — with individual grants of up to $25,000. No investors. No connections required. Just a bold idea and the drive to back it.

Not sure if you qualify? Check eligibility first →

Applications open  1 – 31 October 2026

Apply now, applications close on 31 October

Submit your application

12 sections. 30–45 minutes. Answer what’s relevant to your idea — there’s no formula, just be honest and specific. You can save progress and return before the deadline.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Before you start, read our 5 tips for a strong application

Make your case.
Make it count.

This application is about your vision, your potential, and the difference you want to make. Answer what's relevant to your idea. There's no formula — just be honest, be specific, and back yourself.

01Who you are

The basics

Tell us who you are and confirm you meet the eligibility criteria. You must be aged 18–30 and based in Queensland.

Please enter a number from 18 to 30.
If registered. Leave blank if not yet named.

02The pitch

Sell us the idea.

You've got 30 seconds in a lift. What's the idea, who's it for, and why does it matter? Don't overthink it — just say it like you would to a friend. (2–3 sentences, ~50 words)

2–3 sentences, ~50 words.

03The idea

What are you building?

Go deeper. What is the business, what's the mission, and why does this exist? Tell us the problem you're solving and why it's worth solving. (150–200 words)

150–200 words.

04The product

How does it work?

What are you actually selling — product, service, platform, experience? How does it work, and what makes it different or better than what already exists? (100–150 words)

100–150 words.

05The market

Who needs this?

Who's your customer and how many of them are there? Name your competitors. Acknowledge what exists. Show us you know your market — and why you fit in it. (100–150 words)

100–150 words.

06The model

How do you make money?

Walk us through the business model. How are you charging, who's paying, and through what channels do they find you? Revenue on day one or year two — both are fine. (100–150 words)

100–150 words.

07The operations

How does it run?

Day to day — what actually happens? Production, fulfilment, technology, suppliers, location. This doesn't need to be polished — just show us you've thought it through. (100–150 words)

100–150 words.

08Where you're at

What have you done so far?

Idea stage or early sales — either is fine. We want to know you've started moving, not that you've already arrived. (up to 100 words)

Up to 100 words.

09The ask

What will you do with $25,000?

Be specific. Tell us the exact amount you're requesting, where every dollar goes, and the milestone it unlocks. Vague answers don't win grants. (100–150 words)

Please enter a number from 1 to 25000.
100–150 words. Break it down — equipment, stock, marketing, wages, development, etc.
Optional. If you have a 2-year view.

10The impact

What does this change?

Beyond the bottom line — what difference does this business make? Economically, socially, environmentally. And where does it go from here? (100–150 words)

100–150 words.

11The founder

Why you?

This is the most important section. We back people as much as ideas. Tell us who you are, what drives you, and why you're the one to make this happen. Include any advisers or mentors. (150–200 words)

150–200 words.
Optional. Name and their relationship to you or the business.

12Optional

Show us more.

Not required — but if you've got something that brings the idea to life, share it. A mockup, a prototype, a photo, a deck, a link. Anything that helps us see what you see.

Drop files here or
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 10 MB, Max. files: 5.
    PDF only — 5 files max 10MB each. Pitch decks, mockups, product photos, research.
    Website, prototype, video.
    Optional.
    Before you start

    • Aged 18–29 and based in Queensland

    • Have an idea you can clearly describe

    • Know who your customer is

    • Have a rough sense of how you’ll make money

    • Can articulate the problem you’re solving

    • Know what you’d spend the grant on

    • Have thought about the impact your idea creates

    Tips for a strong application

    Nail your elevator pitch first

    Two or three sentences. What’s the idea, who’s it for, and why does it exist? Get this tight before anything else.

    Be specific about the money

    Vague funding plans don’t win grants. Break down exactly where every dollar goes and the milestone it unlocks.

    Section 11 matters most

    We back people as much as ideas. Tell us why you’re the one to make this happen — be honest, not polished.

    Helpful links
    Eligibility criteria →
    Past grantees →
    FAQs →


    What happens after you apply

    Opens 1 October
    01
    Submit your application

    Complete the online form. You’ll receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of submitting.

    Mid November
    02
    Review period

    Every application is reviewed against the four pillars. Shortlisted founders are notified late November.

    December 2026
    03
    Pitch your idea

    Shortlisted founders present in person or via video call. Come ready to talk through your idea and answer questions.

    Mid December 2026
    04
    Grants awarded

    Successful founders are announced and funds transferred. Up to $250,000 committed this quarter, with individual grants of up to $25,000.

    Common questions

    Do I need a registered business to apply?

    No. You can apply at idea stage — no ABN, no co-founder required. We want to see your thinking, not your paperwork.

    Can I apply if I’m currently studying?

    Absolutely. Students are encouraged to apply. Some of the sharpest ideas come from people who are still figuring things out.

    Is the grant a loan? Do I give up equity?

    No repayment. No equity. The grant comes with an agreement covering eligible expenditure and a spend acquittal — so we know the funds went where you said they would. That’s it.

    What if I don’t make the shortlist?

    You’re welcome to apply again in a future quarter. Each application is a fresh shot — use the time between rounds to sharpen your idea. See full FAQ →

    Still deciding? Check eligibility

    Make sure Embarq is the right fit before you put the time in.

    5 TIPS FOR A STRONG APPLICATION

    1. HAVE MORE THAN JUST AN IDEA – SHOW INITIAL VALIDATION.
      Show that a real market need exists for your business before you spend time and money on it.
    2. SHOW EVIDENCE OF YOUR RESEARCH AND DATA FINDINGS.
      Searches, customer conversations, identify suppliers, pilot users, actual engagement, statistics… etc.
    3. INCLUDE A PRELIMINARY FEASIBILITY STUDY.
      Detail how your idea will be profitable. Show a believable path to revenue.
    4. PRESENT ACCURATE COSTINGS AND FINANCIALS.
      Give exact amounts. Provide itemised breakdowns. Explain your forecasts.
    5. YOU HAVE PROTOTYPES, CONCEPTS OR TESTING TO SHOW.
      Models, sketches, images, data.

    Back to application