Nearly 1000 South Australian women have been supported by the Malinauskas Labor Government’s $4 million Women in Business program in its first year.
Minister Michaels has delivered on her key election promise to provide mentoring, networking and upskilling opportunities for South Australian women to support them to overcome the barriers they face when starting and running businesses.
The program launched in November 2022 and since then, more than 900 women have taken part in three program streams:
*The Women in Business Advisory Program, a partnership with Behind Closed Doors, for high-growth businesses seeking to improve their corporate governance, establish an advisory board, expand, or become export-ready.
*The Women in Business Foundations Program, delivered by Adelaide Business Hub, which encompasses a range of capability building opportunities designed to give female founders the knowledge, tools and contacts required to succeed, as well as four hours of mentoring with an industry expert.
*HERstory: Business Collective event series, a partnership with the Port Adelaide Football Club to deliver a suite of networking and professional development opportunities to support women business owners to achieve their growth ambitions.
Women from right across the state have taken part in the program with 36 per cent of participants from regional South Australia and 40 per cent being sole traders. The Malinauskas Government is incredibly proud of the impact the program has had in its first year and heading into 2024, we will be offering further programs and opportunities that respond to feedback and insights we’ve received.
The Women in Business program is a key pillar of our landmark $14 million Small Business Strategy, which outlines how our government’s policies and programs will support and empower small business owners to take their enterprises to new heights with 20 initiatives designed to future-proof and grow South Australia’s small businesses.
The Malinauskas Government is committed to supporting small businesses to adapt, grow and succeed, now and into the future.
For more information visit: https://business.sa.gov.au/programs/women-in-business
As put by Andrea Michaels
The Women in Business program was a key election commitment and in its first year alone, it has helped more than 900 women across South Australia.
As a government, we understand that women often face additional hurdles when starting and growing a business.
It’s what I know from personal experience, but it’s also what women business owners right across South Australia have told me – more than 40 per cent of female respondents in our recent engagement have experienced barriers such as gender bias, difficulty accessing capital and not being taken seriously.
Creating opportunities for more women to start and grow their own businesses is something I’m really passionate about and I’m looking forward to creating more opportunities for more women in 2024.
As put by Irena Melino, owner of Wild Ivy Studio
The Women in Business Program was a success for me because it gave me the confidence to get online and promote my business.
My mentor was amazing, she came up with great ideas and it was easy for me to implement.
As put by Natalie Oliveri, Director/Founder of Creative Therapy Adelaide
The Women in Business Program is really great for building confidence, connecting with others and for personal growth.
Photo caption: Minister Andrea Michaels with participants in the Women in Business Foundations program.
