Bold ideas deserve bold support. And so, across Australia, women are turning vision into action, building businesses that innovate, inspire, and create meaningful impact. To fuel this momentum, auto brand Omoda Jaecoo has launched Fuel Fund 2.0, a powerful initiative awarding $5,000 to help women entrepreneurs take the next step in their journey. More than just funding, the program champions resilience, ambition, and the remarkable power of women supporting women.
The first Fuel Fund was a revelation. Over 300 applications poured in from across the country, each one a testament to creativity, determination, and a refusal to let barriers define possibility. Women shared stories of innovation, of tackling challenges with ingenuity, and of building ventures that make a tangible difference in their communities. It became clear that the appetite for support and recognition was immense – and deeply meaningful.
Jules Robinson, founder of FIGUR and By Jules, created the initiative to bridge that gap. “The stories we received were incredibly inspiring – women backing themselves, building businesses from the ground up, and creating real change within their communities,” she reflects. “Fuel Fund 2.0 is about giving women the push they need to move from idea to action, and showing that ambition is not only valued but celebrated.”
The inaugural program culminated in a public vote, where ten standout finalists were put forward to the community. From this process emerged Rita Saikali, founder of RS Speech Pathology, as the winner. Rita’s business empowers parents to support their children’s communication journeys through practical, everyday tools, creating an impact that resonates far beyond the clinic. It was a reminder that innovation doesn’t always wear a tech label; it can be human, heartfelt, and transformative in ways that ripple through families and communities alike.
Narine Salmasi, General Manager of Marketing ANZ at Omoda Jaecoo, says the response to the first Fuel Fund highlighted the abundance of talent and ambition in the community. “Launching Fuel Fund 2.0 allows us to continue supporting women who are ready to take the next step in their business journey,” she says. “This isn’t just about financial support – it’s about signalling belief, validation, and encouragement to women with big ideas.”
The return of Fuel Fund 2.0 comes at a moment when women-led innovation is gaining more attention than ever. Across industries, women entrepreneurs are reshaping expectations, creating ventures that are agile, socially conscious, and ambitious. Nevertheless, the challenges remain real. Access to resources, mentorship, and funding continues to be uneven, and the weight of self-doubt or societal expectation can be heavy. Programs like Fuel Fund 2.0 are vital because they do more than bridge a financial gap – they send a message that women-led ideas are worth investing in, celebrating both creativity and courage.
What makes Fuel Fund 2.0 so special is its community-first approach. The team reviews applications with care and puts finalists forward for public voting, creating a sense of shared ownership and celebration. This is a space where ambition meets recognition, and where women actively support one another, woven into the fabric of entrepreneurship.
For the women applying, the impact extends beyond the prize money. It is validation, a spark of confidence, and a reminder that taking the next step does not need to be a solo journey. It is about standing on the shoulders of those who believe, those who cheer, and those who create opportunities for others to rise. In this way, Fuel Fund 2.0 embodies the spirit of women empowering women, turning ambition into action and ideas into impact.
Applications for Fuel Fund 2.0 are now open, inviting women across Australia to share their ideas, ventures, and dreams. Whether it is launching a new concept or accelerating an existing business, the program provides the boost needed to turn vision into reality. Interested applicants can submit their details via FIGUR’s website.
In a landscape where women entrepreneurs are building the businesses of tomorrow, initiatives like Fuel Fund 2.0 are more than timely – they are essential. They remind us that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is sometimes scarce, and that the act of support can create waves that extend far beyond a single prize. By providing recognition, resources, and a platform to shine, Fuel Fund 2.0 is doing what every great initiative should: turning ambition into action, courage into opportunity, and ideas into impact.
For women with a bold idea, this is a moment to lean in, apply, and let vision meet opportunity. Fuel Fund 2.0 is not just a fund – it’s a movement, a celebration, and a statement: when women support women, extraordinary things happen.
