A TAFE NSW program dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs is helping to address the financial hurdles faced by businesswomen across the state.

It comes as a survey from the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman’s (ASBFEO) office reveals access to capital is still a significant hurdle affecting women-led small businesses, with 43% of respondents identifying access to capital as a central barrier to growth.

The TAFE NSW Women in Business program offers fee-free online learning for women running small businesses, micro-businesses, or start-ups. Among the practical business skills offered, the program covers a host of financial topics, including ‘financial literacy 101’, ‘grants and support programs’, and ‘cash flow – know your numbers’.

TAFE NSW Executive Director Education and Skills – Digital, Lyn Rickard said the Women in Business program is providing accessible education and resources to female business owners to help remove the financial barriers to their success.

“The Women in Business program’s focus on financial literacy equips women with the skills they need to succeed, while also helping bridge the gender gap when it comes to financing a small business or start-up,” Ms Rickard said.

“There are many hurdles to overcome when running a small business, particularly in today’s economic climate, which is why we’re providing business owners with the tools they need to navigate not just the operational challenges, but the financial ones as well.”

“By arming female business owners with essential financial skills and knowledge, we are helping them make their business a success, while fostering a more diverse and equitable business landscape for all.”

One of the participants to benefit from the program is Surry Hills Business Partnership Secretary, Angela Stretch. Serving as the Director of arts-focused organisations Poetry Sydney and Intelligent Animal, Angela was inspired to enrol in the course to learn about funding for women in business.

“My aim with Poetry Sydney is to service the poetry community of Sydney and NSW, through hosting and supporting events such as book launches, workshops, performances and festivals,” said Ms Stretch.

“As we’re an independent organisation, grants, pledges and donations provide vital support in being able to deliver our program of events and services. Through enrolling in this course, I was able to learn more about how to access NSW Government support services, grants and funding.

“Participating in the program also enriched my understanding of creating a sustainable business, and I very much enjoyed being in a community of like-minded women who are looking to thrive in business.”

To celebrate Small Business Month, TAFE NSW Women in Business is hosting an online event on Wednesday 25 October 2023 for women wishing to start up or grow their own business.

The session, which features representatives from Women NSW and Service NSW, will cover how to access finance and grants and access mentoring, support, and training. Registration is available here: https://tafenswevents.eventsair.com/wib-october-2023/registration/Site/Register

Media contact: Emma Hughes, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 0409 618 291