Female startup founders can now apply for Australian Government grants between $25,000 and $480,000 to expand into domestic and global markets.

The grants are available through the Boosting Female Founders Initiative – Round 2.

The initiative aims to help female entrepreneurs access the finance and support they need to grow their startups.

The Round 2 support, worth an estimated $11.6 million, will be on a co-contribution basis.

Startups must be founded, majority-owned and led by women to be eligible.

The program will also provide expert mentoring and advice.

The grant amount will be up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs unless applicants can meet additional requirements.