A new $3,000 grant is giving women in the Hunter region practical support to take the next step in their business, leadership or community impact.
The Gen Collective Level Up Grant, delivered in partnership with Sorted Advisory, was created to ease financial pressure and provide backing at pivotal moments, when growth can stall simply due to lack of funding or support.
The inaugural recipient, Sarah Johnstone, Founder of Landmates, was selected from a highly competitive field of applicants. The Gen Collective Committee described the decision as extremely difficult, with the overall standard of submissions highlighting the strength, ambition and innovation of women across the region.
President of Gen Collective, Adrienne Donnelly said that this is the inaugural Level Up Grant and the current committee is incredibly proud to be part of something that provides tangible support to women in our community.
“We’ve seen how often women sit on ideas or delay growth, not because they lack capability, but because the timing or financial backing isn’t quite there. This grant is about stepping in at that moment,” Adrienne said.
“But it’s also about more than the money. It’s Gen Collective saying to another woman, we believe in you and we’re backing you. Alongside the funding, the recipient gains access to our community, our committee and the guidance of Sorted Advisory. It’s collective support, not just financial support.”
Gen Collective chose Sarah as the inaugural recipient for her application, which demonstrated Sarah’s clear vision and commitment to creating meaningful local impact through Landmates.
Sarah said that receiving the grant felt like more than financial support.
“It’s belief from a community I deeply respect. That encouragement gives me confidence to keep building and expanding what we’re creating,” Sarah said.
The grant is possible through a partnership between Sorted Advisory and Gen Collective, who share similar values around empowering women through clarity, confidence and sustainable growth.
Director of Sorted Advisory, Keira Walton said she is passionate about supporting women to make confident, informed financial decisions.
“We see every day how powerful it is when women are given the right guidance and backing at the right time. Partnering with Gen Collective to bring this initiative to life felt like a natural fit,” Keira said.
The strong response to the inaugural grant has opened the door to future opportunities.
With further support from the business community, the initiative has the potential to expand and create even more pathways for women to access funding and guidance when it matters most.
IMAGE | Inaugural recipient of the Gen Collective Level Up Grant, Sarah Johnstone, Founder of Landmates.
