Women in Business

Women in Business Mentor Program Women in Business Regional Program Women in Business Growth Strategy Workshop Program Women in Manufacturing Network Other Programs to Grow Your Business Heels in Motion Publication

Click here to listen to women speak on key aspects of being in business.

Click these links to download the 2008 Mentoree Application Form as a Word document [424 KB];  or as an Acrobat Reader document [52 KB].  Click these links to download the 2008 Mentor Application Form as a Word document [323 KB];  or as an Acrobat Reader document [49 KB].  Please send all applications to Jo-Anne Miley, Manager Women in Business, Department of State and Regional Development, GPO Box 5477, Sydney 2001.

Click here to be added to our NSW Women in Business email newsletter database.

The Women in Business Program helps up-and-coming women business owners expand their business.  The Program is managed by the NSW Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD).  The Department is the NSW Government's leading economic development agency which offers a range of programs to support business growth.

Faye Maramara, Paro Paru Shells-Mentoree

Women now account for a third of all small business operators in NSW and are dynamic partners in many family businesses.  To harness the potential of these emerging entrepreneurs, who have traditionally had less access to business networks, the NSW Government supports Women in Business mentoring programs, business skills workshops and a regional business program.

Since the Women in Business Program's inception in 1995 the number of women who own their own business has increased by 26 per cent.  Over 5,000 women business owners have taken part in the Program since it started.

Women may start a business because of the independence it offers or the appeal of an entrepreneurial idea.  For many, owning a business is the realisation of a life-long dream.  Some women leave a job because of the "glass ceiling", while others want flexible working arrangements that fit their roles as mothers.  Then there are those with the brilliant idea that deserves to be marketed.

The Women in Business Program provides opportunities for success.

Women in Business Mentor Program

The Women in Business Mentor Program is a six-month agenda that helps women business owners (mentorees) grow their business by linking them with experienced business people (mentors).  Using a combination of mentoring, practical business workshops and networking events, the Program lends a hand to women to improve their business skills and successfully manage business growth.

2005 was the 10th anniversary of the Program which is based on a proven approach to co-operative learning between business people.  More than 1,800 women have participated in the Mentor Program since its inception.

Results from past Programs show a significant increase in business income, business employment levels and networking opportunities.

Brenda Miley, Let's Go Surfing-Mentor

The women who join the Mentor Program come from a diverse range of backgrounds, which reflects the multi-faceted character of small business in NSW.  For example, a recent Program included a light and furniture designer, a doctor turned apothecarist, a baby behavioural management specialist, a farm holiday service, a free trade coffee importer, an award-winning kitchen designer and a manufacturer of stormwater treatment devices.

Many women who are mentorees return later to become mentors.  This underlines the commitment to, and success of, the Program.

Details of selection criteria for both mentors and mentorees and locations of the annual programs are detailed here, or email first@business.nsw.gov.au.