Palaszczuk Government partnerships to advance women in business

Queensland female small business owners can now access increased support, networking and development opportunities under new Palaszczuk Government partnerships with industry associations and organisations.

Small Business Minister Leeanne Enoch said today (Tuesday) the partnerships are designed to encourage more women to start and grow their own business.

“I am so pleased to welcome our partners the University of Southern Queensland, YWCA Queensland, Queensland Farmers’ Federation, Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland and the Cairns Chamber of Commerce with James Cook University,” Ms Enoch said.

“These organisation are working with government to deliver initiatives to encourage more women to start and grow their business through activities such as forums and mentoring sessions, and by connecting with women in business groups.

“This development is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Advancing Women in Business initiative, under our $22.7 million Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy 2016-20.

“Women make a very valuable contribution to the small businesses and regional economies of Queensland - they make up 34 per cent of all business operations in Australia.

“When our strategy was released last year, extensive statewide consultation with a cross-section of women in business was undertaken. The main challenges they faced range from developing networks and business confidence to balancing work and home and considering culture and diversity.

“Bridging skill gaps, support for young women in business, and a lack of awareness of available services, mentors and grant funding were also identified.

“These new industry partnerships will go a long way to addressing these challenges and encouraging more women to start and grow their business,” she said.

Executive director of Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland Penny Cornah understands the challenges faced by women in business.

“As the sole female leader of a representative association within the male dominated sector of building and construction, I am passionate about advancing females within our industry,” Ms Cornah said.

“We have seen a need to support the growth of women in business and have developed a strategy to address key areas to assist business leaders in Queensland.

“This strategy will be member-led but association driven, and will focus on areas such as mentoring, workshops, networking and capacity building. We are excited to be partnering with the Queensland Government to advance women in business and congratulate the government for making this a priority.”

For information on the Queensland Government’s Advancing Women in Business initiative, Mentoring for Growth program, and small business grants, visit the Business Queensland website.

ENDS

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