$75,000 for MVPs

NSW MVP Ventures: Up to $75K for Women-Led Innovation

Every founder knows the frustration of being caught between idea and market. You’ve built a prototype, maybe even tested it with early customers, but you need capital to take the next step. This is where the NSW MVP Ventures Program comes in.

Part of the state’s Innovation Blueprint, MVP Ventures provides between $20,000 and $75,000 for companies ready to commercialise an innovative product or process. The program recognises that early-stage founders often struggle most with capital access. What makes this round especially significant is the dedicated stream for women-led, regional, and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander businesses - offering higher funding and lower co-contribution requirements.

What the Program Offers

MVP Ventures has two streams:

• Stream 1: Open to all businesses. Covers up to 50% of project costs.

• Stream 2: For majority women-owned, regional, and Indigenous businesses. Covers up to 75% with a reduced co-contribution.

The co-contribution ensures you’ve got skin in the game, but the additional support in Stream 2 acknowledges the systemic inequities under-represented founders face. It’s a recognition that levelling the playing field sometimes requires adjusting the rules.

Applications are assessed on innovation, market need, capability to deliver, and benefits to NSW. Round 1 closes on 28 September, making timing critical.

More Than Free Money

It’s tempting to see grants as “free money,” but that’s never the case. MVP Ventures is designed for companies that have already built a working prototype and are now ready to test, pilot, or commercialise. It’s not for raw ideas still on paper.

To succeed, you’ll need to show:

• Your solution is innovative.

• There’s a real customer demand.

• You have a credible commercialisation plan.

• Your project benefits NSW through jobs, investment, or growth.

Practical Tips for Applicants

• Match to the right stream. Double-check eligibility. If you’re majority women-owned, regional, or Indigenous, apply under Stream 2 for higher funding.

• Plan your budget. Even with the lower co-contribution, you’ll need to invest your own resources. Show a clear, balanced budget.

• Prove market need. Back up your claims with customer interviews, pilot results, or early letters of support.

• Outline your roadmap. Be clear on timelines, milestones, and what happens beyond the grant.

• Seek review before submitting. Tools like AssessmentIQ can flag gaps. A polished, concise application beats a bulky one every time.

Why This Matters for Women Founders

For many women-led companies, early-stage capital is the hardest to secure. Venture capital is often out of reach. Family and friends’ networks don’t always have the same financial depth. Programs like MVP Ventures help plug that gap. By offering a higher funding percentage, Stream 2 reduces financial risk and validates the innovation of women founders who might otherwise struggle to get momentum.

Ripple Effects

I’ve seen NSW founders use similar grants to move quickly from prototype to product. One health-tech founder secured $50,000 to finalise her device, which helped her attract pilot customers. Within a year, she closed a seed round. Another used grant funds to complete testing that made her venture attractive to an overseas partner. These aren’t just one-off wins. They’re examples of how non-dilutive funding builds confidence, accelerates progress, and attracts further capital.

Don’t Miss the Window

The application window is short, and competition is strong. But even if you’re not successful, the process of articulating your innovation, market, and commercialisation plan will strengthen your business. Think of it as rehearsal for larger opportunities.

If your prototype is ready, don't leave it to chance. Book an Application Review and ensure your application shines amongst a strong cohort of worthy applicants.