YWCA Canberra has marked a significant milestone in its support for women and girls, celebrating more than 100 Great Ydeas Microgrants recipients at the 2026 Great Ydeas Innovation Breakfast held on Tuesday morning at YWCA Canberra.
Now in its 16th year, the Great Ydeas Microgrants have supported 100 girls and women across Canberra to bring their ideas to life. The program has funded a diverse range of initiatives, from entrepreneurial ventures to social enterprises and culturally responsive community programs.
In 2026, YWCA Canberra awarded a total of $9,000 in microgrants to four local women, supporting projects that demonstrate creativity, innovation and community impact.
The breakfast featured a keynote address from Isabel Richards, co-founder of Sci_Burst, who shared insights on innovation of her startup and the impact of being awarded the grant in 2025.
Senator for the ACT and Minister for Women Katy Gallagher attended the event to congratulate the 2026 recipients and present this year’s awards. YWCA Canberra also welcomed Laura Nuttall MLA and Peter Cain MLA to the celebration.
YWCA Canberra CEO Frances Crimmins said the milestone reflects the organisation’s long-standing commitment to empowering women and girls.
“The Great Ydeas Microgrants continue to provide a vital platform for women and girls to test ideas and create meaningful change in their communities” she said.
“These grants are not just about funding projects but they are about YWCA Canberra backing potential, fostering leadership and strengthening our community.” – YWCA Canberra CEO, Frances Crimmins
The 2026 Great Ydeas Microgrants Winners:
Kartika Medcraft Smith recognised for Pakana Dreaming, an Aboriginal wearable art project that shares Tasmanian Pakana heritage through high quality, affordable contemporary designs featuring ancestral teachings and Country based imagery.
Jacinta Froud was selected for The Canberra Bookshop Trail, a community focused project that unites 24 independently owned bookstores across the ACT and encourages families, readers and visitors to explore the region using a pen and watercolour illustrated guide map that supports local small businesses.
Mei Ling Chin was chosen for Designing the Future of Inclusive Workplaces,
a 90-minute public Conversation Lab that brings together HR professionals, change leaders and DE&I practitioners to explore what truly inclusive workplaces look like and how to shift from compliance to meaningful action.
Amy Chu received a microgrant for Yarning, a series of three relaxed after school workshops where young people learn to dye natural fibres and knit their own beanie from scratch, fostering connection, wellbeing and skill building through fibrecraft.
YWCA Canberra media contact:
Eleanor Sander O’Hearn
Executive Director Communications Advocacy and Engagement
eleanor.sanderohearn@ywca-canberra.org.au
0475 240 101