The Gen Collective Level Up Grant is about backing women when it matters most.

It exists to ease financial pressure, open doors and say we believe in you - because sometimes,
that support is what changes everything.

This is more than funding - it’s collective belief in what women can build when they’re supported.

Financial Backing

Receive $3,000 in funding to bring your business, career or project to life. Whether it’s a new initiative, an upgrade, or a time-sensitive opportunity, this grant eases the financial pressure so you can focus on growth.


The funds can help cover professional development, marketing, branding, tools, or resources that directly support your goals.

The grant itself

Support & Connection

Gain tailored guidance from Sorted Advisory alongside mentorship from the Gen Collective committee, tapping into a wealth of experience, skills, and qualifications.

Build confidence, make informed decisions, and connect with a supportive community that champions your progress - while having opportunities to share your story and amplify your impact.

Mentorship + Expertise

Why the Level Up Grant Exists

Gen Collective was created to connect, champion and elevate women across our region; not just through conversation, but through meaningful action.

Over time, we’ve seen how often women sit on ideas, delay growth or carry the weight alone, not because of lack of capability, but because of lack of support at the right moment. The Gen Collective Level Up Grant exists to change that.

It was created to ease financial pressure, open doors and offer belief - backing women when it matters most, and helping turn momentum into meaningful progress. This grant reflects what Gen Collective stands for: community over competition, collaboration over comparison, and collective belief in what women can build when they’re supported.

“This is more than funding
- it’s collective belief.”

Our Partnership with Sorted Advisory

The Level Up Grant is proudly delivered in partnership with Sorted Advisory, a local accounting team who are passionate about supporting small and medium business owners grow with clarity and confidence. Sorted Advisory’s values are strongly aligned with Gen Collective’s commitment to empowerment, clarity and sustainable growth. Together, we believe that confidence grows when women are supported not only with funding, but with the right guidance, tools and encouragement to make informed decisions for their future.

This partnership allows the grant to go beyond a financial contribution — offering recipients access to professional insight, mentoring and a trusted network that supports long-term impact, not just short-term wins.

Together, Gen Collective and Sorted Advisory are committed to supporting women who are ready to take their next step - with clarity, confidence and community behind them.

How It Works

  • The grant aims to:

    • Empower local women to take the next step in their professional journey.

    • Encourage innovation, growth, and resilience within the Hunter business community.

    • Strengthen connections between local women and the Gen Collective network.

    • Showcase and celebrate women in our region making a positive local impact.

    • Create opportunities for recipients to connect with and receive mentoring from the Gen Collective community.

  • Applicants must:

    • Submit a clear application that demonstrates how the funds will be used to achieve business growth or career progression

    • Be a woman based in the Hunter region.

    • Be operating or wanting to operate a business or pursuing a clearly defined professional or career development goal.

    • Outline the specific project, initiative, or opportunity the grant will support.

    • Be able to complete the proposed project or activity within 12 months.

    • Demonstrate how the grant will create a positive impact (for themselves, their business, or the broader community).

    • Total Grant Value: $3,000 ($2,000 from Gen Collective + $1,000 from Sorted Advisory).

    • Funds may be used for:

      • Professional development or coaching.

      • Marketing or branding projects.

      • Business system improvements.

      • Equipment or tools that enhance business capability.

      • Further education or training

    • Access to mentoring through the Gen Collective committee members

    • Ticket to the annual Gen Collective Level Up Conference

    • Funds cannot be used for personal expenses, debt repayment, or retrospective projects.

    1. Applications Open: Tuesday, 6 January 2026

    2. Applications Close: Friday, 30 January 2026

    3. Shortlisting: Applications reviewed by a panel including representatives from Gen Collective and Sorted Advisory.

    4. Final Selection: One recipient chosen based on alignment with grant objectives, clarity of goals, and potential impact.

    Recipient Announced: Friday, 13 February 2026

  • Applications will be assessed on:

    • Clarity of purpose – A well-defined project or goal.

    • Impact – How the grant will contribute to their business growth or career progression

    • Feasibility – Realistic use of funds within 6–12 months.

    Connection to values – Alignment with Gen Collective’s mission of empowering women through connection and collaboration.

  • The grant recipient agrees to:

    • Provide a short progress update 6 months after receiving the grant.

    • Be available for promotional content (e.g., interviews, photos, social media features).

    • Attend at least one Gen Collective event to share insights or outcomes from their project.