Advancing women in business

Female leaders and business owners can nominate to take part in two targeted support programs aimed at enhancing their business thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s Advancing Women in Business initiative.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman announced that nominations are now open for the Femeconomy Connection Program and the Advancing Women on Boards program.

“The Palaszczuk Government has partnered with Femeconomy and The Advisory Board Centre to deliver these wonderful programs aimed at promoting and supporting women in business to succeed,” Ms Fentiman said.

“It’s our plan to give women the tools, support and skills they need to start, grow and employ, and ultimately lead and succeed, in their own organisations.

“Femeconomy will give 10 women across the state, including eight in regional Queensland, the opportunity to take part in a program that focuses on promoting women in business and leadership roles, and encourages women to support other women in business.

The Advancing Women on Boards program concentrates on how to get more women into board and leadership positions.

“By working with The Advisory Board Centre, we will give 20 female business women the skills and knowledge they need to take an active role in business at a boardroom level,” Ms Fentiman said.

“This comes at a time when women are still vastly underrepresented in leadership positions, particularly on management boards, despite being more likely to attain tertiary education.

“Women’s increased participation in the workplace and leadership roles is better for the economy.

Femeconomy Directors Alanna Bastin-Byrne and Jade Collins will be providing opportunities for participants to engage and network with influencers and provide media and speaking opportunities.

“We will be profiling these women as a leader or as a business, and assisting them in overcoming hurdles to encourage business and personal growth,” said Ms Bastin-Byrne and Ms Collins.

“Companies with more women in leadership are more profitable, offer more flexibility and have a reduced gender pay gap.

“Our Femeconomy Connection Program is designed to empower women through confidence, introduce them to networks, and upskill their business acumen to become leaders in their field.”

The Advisory Board Centre’s Managing Director, Louise Broekman, said that even within her own organisation, only 18 percent of advisors are women. 

“Female entrepreneurs and executives are often passing up on opportunities because of a perceived lack of skills, experience, networks or influence,” Ms Broekman said.

“To support women in stepping forward, it is important they are equipped with the skills to excel.

“Our Advancing Women on Boards Program is for women who own their business or have senior management experience, and who want to increase diversity in the boardroom.

“We are looking for women from diverse backgrounds, industries and locations across Queensland.”

Minister Fentiman said the partnerships are part of the Queensland Government’s Advancing Women in Business initiative, under the $22.7 million Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy 2016-20.

“Women now make up just over a third of Australian business operators,” Ms Fentiman said.

“It is because of this gender-gap that the Queensland Government is investing in women through the Advance Queensland Initiative to help them start and grow small businesses, and importantly to employ.”

“Through programs such as Advancing Women in Business the Palaszczuk Government recognises and appreciates the valuable contribution women in business make to Queensland’s economy, ensuring that they are supported and encouraged.”

Nominations can be made by visiting www.business.qld.gov.au/women

There will be further partnerships announced shortly.

ENDS

Media Contact:          Inga Williams             0410 769 711