The Women in Business Foundations program will continue to bolster, grow and develop female-owned small businesses across South Australia – thanks to the second round of State Government’s investment.
Since its inception in November 2022, the program has provided vital support to over 2000 women, many of whom are navigating the complexities of business ownership for the first time.
Minister for Small and Family Business, Andrea Michaels, highlighted the initiative’s positive impact.
“The Malinauskas Government is supporting more women to start and grow their businesses with a second round of our popular Women in Business Foundations program,” she stated.
Drawing from her experiences as a small business owner, Michaels identifies deeply with the hurdles women face in this sector, from upskilling to managing work and family life.
This endeavour is part of the government’s broader $14 million Small Business Strategy, targeting small business owners across the state and facilitating both growth and success.
With small businesses making up 98 per cent of all businesses in South Australia, enriching this sector is vital for the state’s economic landscape.
Round two of the program has now opened for registrations, offering six hours of one-on-one mentoring, skill-building in business fundamentals such as marketing, finance, and human resources, and aids women in crafting actionable business plans.
By pairing women entrepreneurs with seasoned professionals, the program aims to enhance participants’ business acumen and also boost their confidence.
Kelley Russo, Chief Executive of Adelaide Business Hub, which delivers the program, shared her excitement about the initiative’s continuation.
“The Adelaide Business Hub is thrilled to be delivering the second round of the Women in Business Foundations program for the State Government, building on the incredible success of the first round where we empowered thousands of women to achieve their business goals,” Russo remarked.
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with a reported satisfaction rate of 95 percent in the program’s previous iteration. Such success underscores the value and efficacy of the mentorship and resources provided.
Russo emphasised the importance of a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters learning and growth for women in the business realm.
One benefactor of the program’s first round, Jayne-Anne Power, owner of Kennedy Parker, shared her personal experience.
“As a first-time business owner, starting a new business was both exciting and scary and the Women in Business program provided me with valuable support during my early stages in business,” Power explained.
She acknowledged the program’s role in sharpening her focus and directly contributing to her business’s early successes.
Approximately 35% of the program’s beneficiaries are from regional areas of South Australia, including Kangaroo Island, Fleurieu Peninsula, and Limestone Coast, ensuring that the initiative’s reach extends beyond the metropolitan confines of Adelaide.
Women in Business Foundations program
For more information visit business.sa.gov.au.
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