Economics for Kids Awarded Innovation Connect Grant
Canberra, ACT | December 2025
This festive season brings uplifting news for families, schools, and young learners across Australia, with Economics for Kids announced as one of eight innovative Canberra businesses awarded funding under the Innovation Connect Grant Program, delivered by the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) with support from the ACT Government.
Founded by economist and bestselling children’s author Dr Helen Hoang, Economics for Kids received the grant to accelerate the development of EconTech — a next-generation digital learning system designed to bring economics to life through storytelling, games, and real-world experiences.
“This grant feels like a Christmas gift — not only for our team, but for children and families who believe learning economics should be joyful, ethical, and accessible,” said Dr Hoang.
“It allows us to transform years of stories, school visits, and ideas into a scalable learning platform that helps children understand how the world works — and how they can shape it.”
From books to games: building the EconTech ecosystem
The Innovation Connect Grant will support the next phase of Economics for Kids, including:
- Development of interactive educational games linked to the book series
- Prototyping a digital economics learning system for children
- Expanding classroom-ready tools for schools, families, and community programs
- Strengthening Australia’s early-age economic and financial literacy ecosystem
Since its launch, Economics for Kids has become an Amazon Best Seller, reached thousands of children through school tours and community events, and grown into multiple creative learning worlds.
A festive new world: Elfonomics
This milestone coincides with the launch of Elfonomics, a brand-new Christmas learning world for children.
Released this December, Elfonomics: An Enchanted Christmas Adventure in Economics invites young readers into the North Pole, where Santa’s elves navigate real-world challenges such as scarcity, sharing, teamwork, and decision-making — all wrapped in festive magic.
Elfonomics is part of the broader Economics for Kids vision: helping children explore big ideas through imagination, play, and storytelling.
Just 72 hours after launch, Elfonomics reached #1 Hot New Release in Children’s Books on Money, reflecting strong early support from families and readers worldwide.
Celebrating innovation, community, and the season of giving
The Innovation Connect Grant Program supports early-stage Canberra businesses to test ideas, build prototypes, and prepare for growth. In 2025, a total of $237,000 was awarded to eight innovative ventures across education, technology, and social impact.
“Innovation is ultimately about people and purpose,” Dr Hoang added.
“Receiving this support during the festive season is a reminder that investing in children’s learning is one of the most meaningful gifts we can give — for this generation and the next.”
As Economics for Kids takes a short Christmas break and looks ahead to 2026, the team remains committed to its mission: making economics simple, ethical, and empowering for every child.
About Economics for Kids
Economics for Kids is an award-winning education initiative founded by economist Dr Helen Hoang. Through books, games, school programs, and digital tools, it helps children aged 7–13 understand economics, money, and decision-making through stories and play.
🔗 Learn more: https://economicsforkids.com.au
🎄 Explore Elfonomics: https://elfonomics.com.au
🔗 Innovation Connect Grant announcement:
https://cbrin.com.au/general-news/innovation-connect-grant/8-innovative-canberra-businesses-awarded-237000-through-the-innovation-connect-grant-program/
Wishing our community a very Merry Christmas and a joyful, healthy, and inspiring New Year.
We look forward to learning, playing, and growing together in 2026!
