Rethinking Gender and Capital

You Deserve a System That Fits You

Let’s talk about bonds. But not the ones Wall Street brokers in suits throw around.

At their core, bonds are a way for organisations to raise money from investors, similar to an investment fund, but with different rules. Instead of buying shares in a business, an investor lends money (via the bond) and gets paid back over time, often with interest. Think of it like a structured IOU with a social or financial purpose.

A bond is essentially a pooled loan, made up of funds from multiple investors - most commonly institutional and government - who are looking for a steady return while supporting specific outcomes, like infrastructure, climate, or gender equality.

Unlike venture capital (where a few high-risk investors take an equity stake), bonds offer a lower-risk, steady-return model that pools capital at scale. And that scale is important, because it gives big institutions the confidence to invest in big problems.

Now, there’s a growing slice of this market focused on impact, supporting causes like clean energy or affordable housing. These are called sustainable bonds, and the market is booming, $20 trillion has been invested globally.

But here’s the thing: less than 1% of that is tied to gender equality.

Which brings us to gender bonds. A far-too-rare instrument that channels funding directly to women and women-led solutions.

We’ve seen green bonds fund solar farms.
But, where are the gender bonds funding women-led businesses?

The System Wasn’t Built for Us

Traditional finance wasn’t designed with women in mind. Most funding models reward scale, collateral, and risk profiles that favour established (often male-dominated) players.

So when women founders are told to “get investor-ready,” it often means reshaping themselves to fit inside a system that was never made for them. Honestly, it's shit. And backwards.

What if the funding system evolved to meet women where they are?
What if it rewarded consistent, sustainable growth, not just unicorn potential?

In my opinion, that’s where blended finance comes in.

What Is Blended Finance?

Blended finance is the mix of different types of capital - grants, loans, and investment - used together to fund a business. It’s a way of structuring deals so that risk is shared and more founders can access the funding they need, when they need it.

To help you understand how it might work for you, let’s break it down with a realistic example:

A Blended Pathway to Growth

Stage 1: Proof of Concept

You apply for a $5,000–$10,000 grant to test your idea, perhaps through a local council, accelerator, or philanthropy.

You use it wisely. 

You build, test, learn, and prove traction - whether that’s paying customers, partnerships, or community engagement.

Stage 2: Startup Support

With evidence of sustainable growth, you apply for a $50,000 startup grant or startup loan (like those offered by Westpac).

You build infrastructure. Hire help. Improve your product or service.

Stage 3: Strategic Growth

You develop a clear growth plan. One that aligns purpose with profit. You share your vision, show your numbers, and map the steps to scale.

With that in place, you unlock a blended deal:

• $50,000 grant

• $100,000 low-interest loan

• $100,000 angel investment

This combined capital lets you grow without overleveraging. It sends a strong signal: this founder is investable and impactful.

Stage 4: Ready for More

You deliver on the plan. Now you’re ready to go again, with deeper confidence and a bigger vision.

You access a second blended deal:

• $100,000 grant

• Remaining loan is converted to equity

• $250,000 new low-interest loan

• $250,000 equity investment (e.g. from an impact fund or women’s syndicate)

You’re no longer just building a business. You’re building an ecosystem - one that reflects you.

Growth on Your Terms

Here’s the most important part: you don’t have to take every step.

If $10k is the right fit for your lifestyle and ambition - amazing. If you want to stay boutique, hyper-local, or slow and steady - excellent. If you're aiming for national scale - let’s go.

This isn’t about chasing unicorns.

This is about building fit-for-purpose funding pathways that reflect your goals, your values, and your pace.

Because every business matters.
Every dream is valid.
And when we unlock capital for women - on our terms - everyone wins.