If you're running an ethical, sustainable, circular or slow fashion business in Australia and you're struggling, you're not alone. It's a tough gig leading with purpose, and it's a tough industry to be in.
You’re doing all the right things—paying your makers fairly, choosing low-impact fabrics, saying no to shortcuts—and yet it can feel like you're constantly struggling. It's not you—it's fast fashion and the way they greenwash their way to growth to get all the attention.
It’s exhausting. And disheartening. But you're not alone—and there is support out there.
I've pulled together a list of 25 grants, awards and programs specifically for purpose-driven, values-aligned fashion businesses in Australia so you can find the help and support you need to grow. Some offer funding, some offer mentoring or exposure—but every one of them is designed to help you grow with integrity.
Because the world needs more brands like yours.
1. City of Melbourne Small Business Grants
This grant offers up to $30,000 for small businesses, including sustainable fashion ventures, to innovate, expand, or adapt with an emphasis is on job creation, sustainability, and innovation.
2. City of Sydney Business Support Grants
This provides funding for projects that enhance business resilience and sustainability, targeting retail and fashion businesses focused on environmental impact.
3. Creative Victoria Creative Projects Fund
This supports creative industries, including fashion, to develop new work, collaborate, or grow business capacity.
4. Australia Council the the Arts - Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups
This funds creative projects, development, and public engagement. Fashion as wearable art can be eligible.
5. Australian Fashion Foundation (AUSFF) Scholarship Award
The Australian Fashion Foundation (AUSFF) offers annual scholarships to emerging Australian fashion designers and creatives, providing financial support and the opportunity for international internships with top global fashion houses. Each year, two winners receive a $20,000 grant to help kickstart their global careers in the fashion industry.
6. AMP Tomorrow Fund
This provides grants of up to $100,000 for passionate individuals creating positive change—ideal for purpose-led fashion founders.
7. City of Darebin Business Recovery Grants
This offers grants to support sustainability, circular economy practices, and innovation in local business. Open to fashion labels based in Darebin.
8. Business Victoria – Small Business Grants and Support Programs
This includes a range of initiatives—from energy-saving upgrades to business capability programs, often with a sustainability focus.
9. The Social Enterprise Grants – City of Melbourne
This is targeted at purpose-driven businesses that create positive social or environmental outcomes. Perfect for slow fashion brands with a mission.
10. The Awesome Foundation (Melbourne + Australia chapters)
This provides micro-grants of $1,000 for 'awesome' ideas—including ethical fashion projects. Simple application process.
11. Women’s Leadership and Development Program – Australian Government
This funds initiatives that support women’s economic security and leadership—applicable if you're running a women-led label.
12. Etsy Uplift Initiative
Etsy occasionally runs funding or support programs for handmade and ethical creators. Worth joining their seller community for updates.
13. Creative Partnerships Australia – MATCH Lab
This offers co-investment funding for artists and creatives. If you use crowdfunding or public donations, they can match it dollar-for-dollar.
14. Flourish: First Nations Fashion and Textiles Fund
Flourish is a Creative Australia initiative that supports First Nations textile, design, and fashion practitioners to strengthen their creative practice and build sustainable careers. It offers funding, mentorship, and professional development to help elevate and celebrate First Nations-led fashion on both national and international platforms.
15. SheEO (now Coralus)
This is a funding and mentoring network for women-led ventures working on the world’s to-do list—slow fashion qualifies.
16. Patagonia Environmental Grants (Australia region)
This funds environmental initiatives and startups that tackle sustainability—aligned with circular and regenerative fashion businesses.
17. City of Yarra Business Grants
This supports innovative, creative, and sustainable small businesses with funding and mentorship opportunities.
18. Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) – Start-up and Growth Funding
This provides tailored funding, support, and mentoring for Indigenous-owned businesses, including those in fashion.
19. Circular Economy Business Support Grants – Various Councils
Many local councils run circular economy pilot programs or provide support for circular fashion businesses, search your local council website.
20. The Design Files + Laminex Design Awards (Emerging Designer Category)
This celebrates Australian designers across interiors, fashion, and product and offers visibility, recognition, and industry exposure.
21. National NAIDOC Week Grants
This supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events and initiatives—including fashion events or collections.
22. eBay Circular Fashion Fund
This is a significant initiative aimed at supporting innovative startups and businesses that are driving sustainability within the fashion industry.
23. The Good Design Awards (Sustainability Category)
This award recognises excellence in sustainable product and fashion design and boosts visibility and credibility.
24. Australian Cultural Fund (ACF) – Fundraising Platform for Creatives
If your fashion label has a strong arts or cultural focus (think storytelling, heritage design, First Nations influences, or wearable art), you can raise funds via the ACF.
25. StartSomeGood – Crowdfunding with Grant Match Opportunities
This is specifically designed for purpose-driven and social impact businesses. StartSomeGood helps ethical brands (like slow fashion labels!) run crowdfunding campaigns and often partners with councils or corporate sponsors to offer matched funding opportunities.
And this is just a start. If you need help, help is available, you just have to find it, reach out for it and ask for it.
If you need help figuring out what to apply for or how to stand out, that’s what I’m here for. I’ve applied for—and won—18 awards and grants so I’ve learned what works. I’d love to help you build a business that feels good, does good, and grows in the right ways, so reach out.
Claire x
