The NSW government’s Women in Business Hub, which went live on September 7, will make it easier for women in the state to start, run, and grow their own enterprises.
The government’s Women’s Economic Opportunities Review recommended the online Hub, according to Treasurer Matt Kean, to promote women’s financial stability through greater workplace participation.
The Women in Business Hub will provide female business owners information on grants, funding, training, education, networking, mentoring, mental health support, as well as links to assistance, including:
- Service NSW for Business Concierge, which can help with support and requirements across the NSW Government,
- Business Connect which provides independent business advice including how to start, grow or relaunch a business,
- NSW Small Business Commission which provides support, advocacy and mediation services, and
- TAFE NSW’s Women in Business initiative, a fully subsidised online program for women who are looking to establish a micro business, a small business or who are operating or growing a business.
As part of the 2022–23 Budget, the NSW Government allocated $16.5 billion over ten years to expand economic possibilities for NSW women and to assist early childhood development.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the online Hub was a recommendation of the Government’s Women’s Economic Opportunities Review to improve women’s financial security through increased workplace participation.
“There are an estimated 800,000 small businesses in NSW, accounting for more than 98 per cent of all businesses in the state but just 33 per cent are led by women,” Mr Kean said.
“The Hub will connect women with personalised support, a ‘women in business’ toolkit, opportunities for networking, training, grants, funding and mental health support to enable more women to start and grow their own business.”
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the 2021-22 NSW Intergenerational Report identified that although women’s participation in business ownership is projected to increase, it is still expected to remain below that of men.
“As Minister for Women, I’m thrilled that the Women in Business Hub is live. We have created the Hub to help women overcome the initial challenges of starting and developing their own businesses,” Mrs Taylor said.
“The Hub will connect women to trusted resources, including the Women’s Financial Toolkit and the Return to Work Toolkit, which was designed to help women easily navigate reliable resources.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the Hub would evolve over time, ensuring women receive targeted, bespoke information at their fingertips.
“By consolidating the relevant information and resources under the one roof at Service NSW, customers will now spend more time running their business and less time on bureaucracy,” Mr Dominello said.
“Whether you’re from Western Sydney, the bush or the coast, we’re here to support your through your business journey.”
For more information go to: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/business/support-women-businesslaunch
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