New South Wales Grants $1M to Empower Women-Led Small Enterprises

• The initiative supports New South Wales women entrepreneurs with tools and planning to build successful businesses
• Five top organizations received over $1 million to run programs helping women start and grow small businesses
• The program targets women in marginalized groups to promote inclusive economic empowerment across NSW

Through the Supporting Women in Business Initiative, the Minns Labor Government has recently fostered entrepreneurial opportunities for women, providing them with structured planning support to build and grow sustainable business in New South Wales (NSW).

Five high-performing organizations have been awarded over $1 million in government grants to deliver targeted programs that support women in launching or expanding their small businesses. The organizations will execute focused initiatives aligned with the specific challenges and opportunities within their respective community segments.

Programs were selected based on their capacity to offer women access to personalized initiatives that strengthen entrepreneurial skills, enhance networks, and provide practical financial and advisory support. It is to empower women from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, including those with disabilities, carers, and individuals living in regional, rural, and indigenous communities.

The Rural Woman Cooperative’s initiative, Thriving Together: Business Success and Financial Empowerment for Rural Women, is set to deliver business training, peer mentoring, and networking opportunities to women across regional, rural, and remote areas of NSW.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said, "We know men outnumber women as business owners in New South Wales. With this program, we hope to help level the playing field and equip women with more of the tools they need to successfully run their own business.” "Perhaps they've had an idea and with the right education and support, can turn their idea into a dream business. These programs can be accessed by women from communities right across the state and gives them the opportunity and skills to build or expand an existing business."

"Women of all backgrounds deserve equal opportunity to thrive, leading to happier families, robust communities and a stronger New South Wales economy."