Women own and run approximately a third of New South Wales' 650,000 small businesses. Trade and Investment have a series of initiatives to help female business owners grow their business.
Women in Business has helped more than 7,000 women business owners to start, run and grow businesses since its launch in 1995.
For many graduates of Women in Business, their business is the realisation of a life-long dream, the chance to build their own success.
Women in Manufacturing is a successful and popular part of the Women in Business program focusing on promoting and assisting women in the manufacturing sector.
Women in Business Mentoring Program
To harness the potential of emerging female entrepreneurs the NSW Government supports these businesswomen through its Women in Business Mentoring program.
"I would recommend the Women in Business Mentoring Program to anyone who is serious about growing their business. Having access to the specific training, the camaraderie between the other mentees and the wonderful support from your mentor cannot help but build your business awareness and inspire you to greater heights within the business community."
Georgette Solyali, Magic Sugar Art - Holroyd Women in Business Program 2011
The Program offers an empowering environment where women feel comfortable to discuss their business issues and offer solutions to each other. The networking and peer support that is created during the Program often continues after the Program has completed.
Program components
Workshops focussing on business growth are tailored to respond to current and real issues that affect your business. Topics include: Business Planning; Marketing; Finance and two optional business topics. Workshops are offered over 15 or more hours of interactive sessions.
Business mentoring where participants are matched with an experienced volunteer business mentor who offers 10 hours of mentoring and an opportunity to discuss any business issues you may be facing. Mentoring may be face to face, group, or online.
Program criteria
Participants must be committed to making a difference in their business and be:
- a business owner based in NSW
- own a full-time small business for over 12 months
- able to identify a business challenge they need assistance with
- be prepared to commit to growing the business and achieving commercial success
- prepared to work with a mentor
Upcoming Women in Business Programs in 2012
Hastings - Port Macquarie - commencing 1 February 2012
Contact Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce on (02) 6583 4412
Hunter - Newcastle - commencing 22 February 2012
Contact The Business Centre on (02) 4925 7700