Terms & Conditions
Terms & conditions for mEmbers applying for a small business Game Changer Grant in August 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women aged 18 years or older.
- Applicants must be residents of Australia.
- Applicants must run or intend to run a small side hustle or entrepreneurial venture.
- Applicants must be a member of Ember Connect for their application to be assessed.
- Applicants must complete the online application form in full.
- If the business is operating, it must re registered in the Business Directory on the Ember Connect platform (it’s free and easy to register on the Business Directory).
- Previous Game Changer Grant winners are not eligible to apply for another grant within 12 months of receiving the final payment of their previous grant.
Use of Funds
- Grant funds must be used solely for the purposes outlined in the application and proposed budget.
- Funds can only be used for costs directly associated with bringing your idea to life or taking your small business to the next level. Examples include marketing expenses, purchasing specific equipment, or undertaking related training.
- Funds cannot be used to pay for wages or as a wage replacement.
- Quotes or receipts must be provided for the funds to be released.
- Misuse of funds will result in the repayment of the grant and disqualification from future grants.
- All funds must be expended within 12 months of the grantee being notified of the grant. Any unspent funds will be returned to the grant pool and distributed in a future grant round.
Accountability
- Grant recipients may be required to participate in periodic check-ins with Ember Connect representatives.
Experience Sharing
- Successful applicants agree to collaborate with Ember Connect to create content on their experiences and progress for use on Ember Connect’s owned channels. Please note funds may be withheld if project plan commitments are not met.
- Grant recipients agree to allow Ember Connect to utilise this content to promote the platform and the grant program.
Publicity and Confidentiality
- Grant recipients agree to allow Ember Connect to use their name, business name, and non-confidential project details for promotional purposes.
- Sensitive business information will be kept confidential unless explicit consent is provided by the applicant.
Compliance and Legal Obligations
- Recipients must comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to their business activities.
- Any legal issues or disputes arising from the business are the sole responsibility of the grant recipient.
Revocation of Grant
- Ember Connect reserves the right to revoke the grant if the recipient fails to comply with the terms and conditions, provides false information, or engages in unethical or illegal activities.
- In the event of grant revocation, the recipient must return any unused funds within 30 days of notification.
Termination of Agreement
- Either party may terminate the agreement with 30 days written notice in the event of a breach of terms or mutual agreement to terminate.
- Upon termination, the recipient must submit a final report and return any unused funds.
Non-Transferability
- The grant is non-transferable and must be used by the applicant named in the application and only for the purposes outlines in the application..
- Grant recipients cannot transfer or assign any rights or obligations under these terms and conditions to any other party.
Acknowledgment and Acceptance
- By applying for the grant, applicants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by these terms and conditions.
- Acceptance of the grant signifies the applicant’s commitment to fulfilling all outlined requirements and responsibilities.