Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Scholarship Program

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 nearly 650 scholarships. In 2024, we have partnered with 9 education and professional development providers to deliver this program.

Apply now

Applications for the 2024 Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Scholarship Program are now open and will close at 11.59pm on Sunday 31 March 2024.

Before you fill in your online application, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and review the scholarship placements on offer.

Complete your online application

Are you eligible?

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.

What's on offer - scholarship program 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 roles. Through this course, you will be able to work in intermediate cyber security roles including senior cyber security architects, network security specialists or upskill in your current profession.

By the end of this course, you will be knowledgeable in data gathering and interpretation, protection of critical infrastructure, review and update disaster recovery and contingency plans, utilise design methodologies for security architecture and develop, implement whilst also evaluating 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.

There are up to 5 placements available.

For more information, visit Australian College of Tourism and Information Technology.

Australian College of Tourism and Information Technology (ACTIT) - Diploma of Travel & Tourism Management

The Diploma of Travel & 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.  

There is one placement available for the diploma.

For more information, visit Australian College of Tourism and Information Technology.

Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) | Company Directors Course and 12-month membership (Certificate)

This is a globally recognised director education program. It is suitable for anyone who wants to further their directorship skills and knowledge. The course is tailored to experienced directors wishing to take their performance to the next level. It also suits executives and managers who need to understand governance issues in-depth.

The course gives a comprehensive grounding in the roles and duties of board directors. It includes modules on effective decision-making, the legal aspects of directorship, financial literacy, risk and strategy, and practical application of learnings.

A 12-month membership with AICD allows you to be part of an organisation that sets the standard of governance and directorship in Australia and internationally, along with access to their network of more than 43,000 directors.

The course and membership will help you take the next step in your governance journey.

There are 2 courses and accompanying 12-month membership placements available.

For more information, visit Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) | Foundations of Directorship (Certificate)

This is a 3-day scholarship program providing aspiring directors with a comprehensive overview of the main components of directorship.

Designed for aspiring and new directors, the program is comprised of three one-day courses - Governance for Directors, Risk and Strategy for Directors and Finance for Directors. 

Once all 3 courses and their assessments have been successfully completed (within a 12-month period), participants receive the Foundations of Directorship certificate.

There are 2 three-day courses and accompanying 12-month membership placements available.

For more information, visit Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Career Employment Australia | 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 Sewing Hub, West End. 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.

There is one Launch Your Own Fashion Line placement available.

Export Council of Australia | Export 101 Training Workshop: Building Capability and Capacity

This custom workshop is a one-day intensive training program that provides guidance on the local market and overcoming challenges in the supply and sales channels, including the coronavirus impact, as well as capability and capacity building.

The training brings together key industry experts to train recipients in export fundamentals (e.g. export cycles, market review, challenges and opportunities to exporting), business capacity and capability (e.g. objective setting, resourcing, management, and competitor response, case studies), and corporate signposts (e.g. corporate objectives, budget/finance, brand).

There are 15 training workshop placements available.

For more information, visit the Export Council of Australia

Pitch Camp – Base Camp Workshop Series

Base Camp is Pitch Camp’s comprehensive 3-workshop series 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 Base Camp 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.

There are up to 6 workshop series placements available.

For more information, visit Pitch Camp.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Fundamentals: Critical Thinking and Reasoning

QUTeX professional and executive education allows you to improve your job prospects, unlock better career opportunities, and extend your relevance with your desired area of study.

This module teaches how to construct, analyse, and critically evaluate arguments, how to detect common fallacies in reasoning, and how to think logically and creatively. Imagine possibilities and connect ideas through considering alternatives, seeking solutions and putting ideas into action.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • construct and evaluate the success of arguments you encounter in books, articles and discussions
  • identify common fallacies in different styles of reasoning
  • identify and evaluate the forms of logic and reasoning used in a wide range of everyday and intellectual contexts
  • imagine possibilities and connect ideas through considering alternatives, seeking solutions and putting ideas into action.

At the completion of this course, you'll receive a Certificate of Participation documenting your participation in the course.

There are multiple course placements available.

For more information, visit QUTeX.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Fundamentals: Leading Complex Projects

QUTeX professional and executive education allows you to improve your job prospects, unlock better career opportunities, and extend your relevance with your desired area of study.

This module is designed to help you better understand the role of a 'complex project manager' leading high-performing project teams to deliver successful project outcomes. This module seeks to build on your existing foundation of knowledge and skills to offer you the next level of thinking about project complexity and the competencies required to lead your team and your organisation.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • develop new knowledge and skills to lead complex projects, starting with understanding your own leadership style, and how you interact with others
  • develop new knowledge and skills to understand complexity more effectively by comparing the difference between your approach in complicated project and complex project environments
  • unpack the dimensions of complexity to better understand the environment and help leaders make more effective decisions 
  • examine new competencies to navigate complex adaptive systems through the application of 'systems thinking' for more holistic decision-making. 

At the completion of this course, you'll receive a Certificate of Participation documenting your participation in the course.

There are multiple course placements available.

For more information, visit QUTeX.

QUTeX: Leading Change and Growth Through the power of conversation

QUTeX professional and executive education allows you to improve your job prospects, unlock better career opportunities, and extend your relevance with your desired area of study.

This workshop has been designed for leaders and managers wanting to discover how to lead change in the workplace, enhance their verbal communication abilities and influence those around them using conversation as a social and professional tool.

With this one-day workshop you'll learn how to establish the right psychological contract for the conversation you need to have and develop your conversation capabilities so you can improve your work performance.

At the completion of this course, you'll receive a Certificate of Participation documenting your participation in the course.

There are up to 5 course placements available.

For more information, visit QUTeX.

Rhodes Business School (NIET Group) | Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management

The Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management course is ideal for those wanting to advance their career in a management role. 

In this course you will learn to:

  • lead teams and monitor their performance
  • manage workplace relationships
  • develop and implement business plans
  • development of marketing plans
  • manage workplace risks
  • implement business innovation
  • mainten strategic networks.

There are up to 5 placements available.

For more information, visit Rhodes Business School.

Rhodes Business School (NIET Group) | The Emotionally Intelligent Leader - One Day Enhancement Program

Leadership is fundamentally about facilitating high performance - motivating others to do things effectively and efficiently. Emotional intelligence is a key attribute that helps leaders achieve this function.

This course:

  • explores the neuroscience of emotions and emotional intelligence
  • examines tools and techniques for effectively asking for, and responding to feedback
  • explores techniques for developing self and other awareness
  • examines how you can use reactive and proactive techniques to build resilience and effectively manage strong emotions
  • explores an approach for facilitating engagement discussions with staff members.

There are up to 5 program placements 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.

There are up to 20 course placements available.

For more information, visit TAFE Queensland.

Griffith University | Bachelor of Business

A Bachelor of Business 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 a Bachelor of 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.

There is one scholarship awarded per annum and applies for a duration of up to three years. 

Applications are now open and close on Monday 18 March 2024.

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 July 2024 and close on Sunday 1 September 2024. The successful applicant will commence in 2025.

Applications must be made directly through QUT's website.

2023 scholarship recipients

Lord Mayor's Multicultural Business Scholarship Program recipients 2023
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Brisbane City Council acknowledges this Country and its Traditional Custodians. We pay our respects to the Elders, those who have passed into the dreaming; those here today; those of tomorrow.