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Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Scholarship Program
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The Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Scholarship Program provides aspiring business leaders with the knowledge and skills to expand their capabilities. The training courses offered range from the Start Your Own Business Short Course, to export training, project management, leadership and more.
Since 2008, the program has delivered more than 700 scholarships. In 2025, we have partnered with 9 education and professional development providers to deliver this program.
Applications
Applications for the 2025 Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Scholarship Program are now open and will close at 11.59pm on Monday 14 April 2025.
Eligibility criteria
To be considered for the scholarship program, applicants must:
- be from a multicultural or culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) background with at least one natural parent born in a country other than Australia,
- have Australian citizenship or hold permanent residency, and
- personally reside within the Brisbane City Council local government area.
To ensure as many Brisbane residents benefit from the program as possible, those who previously received a scholarship under this program may apply for the scholarship again, however priority will be given to those who have not received a scholarship before.
2025 course list
Australian College of Tourism and Information Technology (ACTIT) - Cyber Security for Intermediate Roles Skill Set Course
The Cyber Security for Intermediate Roles Skill Set Course addresses the skills and knowledge required to protect organisational infrastructure in intermediate-level roles. In this course, you'll cover data threats, security architecture and incident response plans.
To be an ideal candidate for this course you'll have pre-existing skills. You'll also have some knowledge in cyber security and/or information systems and networks in an organisational environment.
You will study data gathering and interpretation, critical infrastructure protection, and review and update disaster recovery and contingency plans. You'll also use design methodologies for security architecture and develop, implement and evaluate an incident response plan.
Upon completion of the course, you will receive a Statement of Attainment to include in your resume. Should you wish to complete further study, the completed units will provide credit towards a Diploma in Information Technology (ICT50220) or other qualifications that allow for selection of these units.
Up to 5 placements are available.
For more information, visit Australian College of Tourism and Information Technology.
Australian College of Tourism and Information Technology (ACTIT) - Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management
The Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management is an advanced-level course that will qualify you to work as a travel or tourism manager and provide you the foundation skills necessary to undertake further study in the field.
The qualification will give you the high-level communication and technical skills that you need to manage a travel or tourism business (e.g. managing budgets, leading and managing people, planning e-marketing strategies, selling tourism products and services).
The course is designed in close consultation with the travel and tourism industry representatives, and ACTIT's industry-expert trainers will ensure you are ready to jump aboard the travel and tourism industry with hands-on and theoretical knowledge gained in the workplace and ACTIT.
Up to 2 placements are available.
For more information, visit Australian College of Tourism and Information Technology.
Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) - Company Directors Course™ (Certificate) and 12-month membership
The Company Directors Course™ is one of the most established and reputable governance courses in the world. Delivered by directors for directors, this course is ideal for current, first-time, or aspiring directors, senior executives, business leaders, and board advisors seeking to stand out in their field.
Using real-world case studies and simulations, the curriculum covers topics including legislation, risk and strategy, and financial literacy.
With an understanding of organisational governance, students gain knowledge and skills needed to navigate corporate boardrooms and change.
A 12-month membership with the AICD gives you access to 53,000 directors, senior executives, and government professionals. It also gives you access to resources, courses and events to support your professional development.
Up to 2 placements available, each with 12 months AICD membership.
For more information, visit Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) - Foundations of Directorship™ (Certificate)
This certificate course supports aspiring and new directors lay the groundwork for great governance.
The program includes 3 one-day courses covering governance, risk and strategy and finance. It uses interactive sessions and case studies to build a foundational knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of directors.
Up to 2 placements are available.
For more information, visit Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
Brisbane Sewing Hub Inc. - Launch Your Own Fashion Line (no certificate)
This fashion business program will help you start your fashion design business. You will learn skills from industry experts including sourcing fabrics, creating templates for each stage of the process, labelling requirements and more.
The scholarship will be conducted from the Brisbane Sewing Hub. It is open to people want to start their own fashion line but have been unable to do so due to other financial commitments. It is provided exclusively for applicants wanting to set up and manage their business from Brisbane. The content is flexible and can be tailored to suit the specific needs of the awarded recipient.
The scholarship does not include any costs incurred by hiring pattern makers, machinists or fabrics required to make any garments or samples. All operational expenses incurred are to be paid by the awarded recipient.
One placement is available.
Export Council of Australia - Export 101 Training Workshop: Building Capability and Capacity
Looking to grow your business domestically or internationally?
A one-day workshop to gain practical guidance and insights to enhance your market readiness and business capabilities.
Led by industry experts, this hands-on session covers:
- export fundamentals to identify target markets and assess opportunities
- intellectual property to protect your business innovations
- marketing and branding to create compelling pitches and value propositions
- innovative strategies to develop business models for growth
- market research and entry - analyse opportunities to select the best strategies
- supply chain and logistics to optimise freight, logistics and supply chain management.
With interactive exercises, case studies, and insights, this workshop helps to set clear objectives, allocate resources, and compete effectively.
Up to 15 placements are available.
For more information, visit the Export Council of Australia.
Pitch Camp Workshop Series
Pitch Camp’s comprehensive 3-workshop series is designed for individuals looking to transform their persuasive communication skills.
The course focuses on shifting participants from traditional presentation approaches to a more deliberate and intentional pitching mindset, providing a framework for winning authority, building trust, and gaining buy-in for your ideas.
You’ll leave the workshops with a completed pitch on a subject important to you, and an understanding of the strategy, process, priorities, and tactics needed to pitch with purpose.
Up to 6 placements are available.
For more information, visit Pitch Camp.
Rhodes Business School (NIET Group) - Diploma of Leadership and Management
This diploma provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively lead teams and drive organizational success. It helps you develop key competencies in communication, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence, preparing you to tackle complex challenges with confidence.
In this course you will learn to:
- communicate effectively to influence and support individuals and teams.
- develop critical thinking skills in others and lead diverse and effective workplace relationships.
- manage business operations, including budgeting, resource allocation, and sustainability practices.
- apply emotional intelligence to enhance leadership and team effectiveness.
- plan, implement, and oversee projects to meet organisational goals.
- build and maintain key business relationships to drive growth and success.
Up to 5 placements are available.
For more information, visit Rhodes Business School.
Rhodes Business School (NIET Group) - The Emotionally Intelligent Leader: Mastering Leadership with EQ (3 Workshop Series)
This 3-day workshop focuses on emotional intelligence (EQ) to help drive success, foster collaboration, and inspire high-performing teams.
Participants gain skills to enhance self-awareness, manage emotions under pressure, and communicate with impact.
As a participant you'll learn to:
- master the 5 components of EQ - self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills
- develop strategies to recognise emotional triggers and regulate responses effectively
- strengthen active listening, conflict resolution, and feedback techniques
- manage stress and make emotionally intelligent decisions in high-pressure environments
- foster trust, motivation, and engagement within teams using EQ-driven leadership approaches
- create a personalised EQ leadership action plan for continued development.
Up to 10 placements are available.
For more information, visit Rhodes Business School.
TAFE Queensland - Start Your Own Business Short Course (SYOB Course)
This course is suitable for individuals thinking of starting a small business or who have just started one. The six-week non-accredited program provides students with skills to shape business ideas from proof-of-concept to reality.
TAFE Queensland Brisbane trainers will help you learn about the process of planning, financing, marketing, online business development and the associated laws. The course also helps students develop entrepreneurial skills and build their business confidence.
Course outcomes include:
- developing a pitch deck for presentations to stakeholders
- creating a crowdfunding submission
- creating a website landing page
- developing a business model
- writing a strategy plan.
Up to 20 placements are available.
The course is at the TAFE Campus in South Bank. Students are to attend in-person sessions every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-9pm (from 14 July 2025).
For more information, please refer to TAFE website.
Young Professionals’ Forum Registration - 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum
The 2025APCS and Mayors’ Forum is on from 27-29 October 2025 in Expo City Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The forum theme is 'Collaborate, Inspire, Transform', with 3 sub-themes around Centres for Connection, Centres for Solutions, and Centres for Resilience.
The Young Professionals' Forum (YPs@APCS) is part of the 2025APCS and Mayors’ Forum. It provides young leaders with tailored professional development, and network and ideas generation opportunities. It connects young leaders with city and business leaders to discuss and share their thoughts and solutions.
To be eligible for YPs@APCS, you must:
- be between 18-30 years old
- have experience in, and passion for, at least one of the program sub-themes
- be available for the entire 2025APCS Young Professionals’ Forum in Expo City Dubai from 27-29 October inclusive
- be available to participate in online discussion forums to commence approximately one month before the event
- meet the eligibility requirements of the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Scholarship Program.
Up to 2 placements are available. This includes attendance as a member of Brisbane delegation to the 2025APCS.
Please note placement will cover conference registration fees only. Flights and accommodation will be at the participant’s expense.
For more information about the 2025APCS, refer to the APCS website.
Griffith University - Bachelor of Business
A business degree can give you a solid foundation in all aspects of business, plus in-depth knowledge and experience in your areas of interest.
Griffith Business School is rated 5-stars for educational experience and teaching quality in business and management by the Good Universities Guide 2018 - a leading independent provider of high-quality education and career information.
Applicants for this scholarship must already be enrolled in an undergraduate business degree at Griffith University and be completing at least one major in:
- Asian business
- international business
- entrepreneurship and self-employment
- economics; and/or
- finance.
One scholarship is available per annum and applies for a duration of up to 3 years.
Applications are now open and close on Monday 24 March 2025.
Applications must be made directly through Griffith University's website.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) - Bachelor of Business
Queensland University of Technology’s globally-recognised, triple-accredited business degrees can help prepare you for diverse career opportunities both in Australia and overseas. You’ll connect with industry and be challenged with real-world projects to ensure you graduate with the knowledge and insight to be effective in your employment from day one.
Work-integrated learning is part of all courses in the QUT Business School. You'll learn by engaging with industry and community partners and undertake authentic activities that are assessed as part of your course. You'll also gain valuable experience and contacts through professional internships.
The recipient will receive financial and career-planning mentorship designed to explore their leadership goals and expand their profile and contribution within the context of a multicultural community.
Applicants for this scholarship may already be enrolled in a Bachelor of Business degree at QUT.
There is one Bachelor of Business scholarship available for a duration of up to two years.
Applications open on Monday 1 June 2025 and close on Sunday 31 August 2025. The successful applicant will commence in 2026.
Applications must be made directly through QUT's website.
More information
For more information about this program:
- phone Council on 07 3403 8888
- email Council.