Celebrating Queensland Women in Business

Ahead of the Advancing Women in Business event at Parliament tonight, Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman said Queensland Women’s Week is a time to celebrate our states growing number of female business owners.

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

“It’s because of this gender-gap that the Palaszczuk Government is investing in women through the Advancing Women in Business Initiative.”

“During Queensland Women’s Week, it’s important to reflect that we are truly lucky that Queensland is home to some extraordinary women.”

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

“It’s wonderful to see the increase of more than 6,000 women in four years since 2011, stepping up into the world of owning and running their own business – leading the way in closing the gender gap in business ownership.”

“You can’t be what you can’t see, so having more women starting their own successful small businesses, collaborating and supporting other women in business will encourage more women to give it a go.”

“I’m proud to say that more than half of the small businesses that we have supported through the Palaszczuk Government’s grants are run by women and in the past year we have seen the number of women accessing our free Mentoring for Growth program more than double.”

“This means more women are getting the professional advice and support they need to succeed.”

“We know that more than 97% of Queensland businesses are small businesses so it’s vital that we continue to recognise the valuable contribution they make to the 152,400 new jobs we have created since the Palaszczuk Government was elected.”

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT:   Inga Williams               0410 769 711