On International Women’s Day, the Service NSW Business Bureau is celebrating more than 30,000 businesswomen across NSW who have turned their passion into their pay cheque thanks to free personalised support and independent business advice offered through Service NSW.
Being your own boss is the dream that kick-started many of the 850,000 small businesses in NSW. Despite small business accounting for 97 percent of all businesses across the State, women account for only one third of business owners.
Small Businesses want opportunity. They want the NSW Labor Government to remove barriers so they can get on with business.
The Business Connect program within the newly launched Service NSW Business Bureau is delivering one-on-one personalised support to empower women to make their business goals a reality.
No matter the stage of their business journey, women across NSW can receive up to eight hours of free, tailored advice, whether they are just getting started, need support with sales strategies, marketing or managing their finances and cash flow.
Women can connect with an experienced independent Business Connect advisor over the phone, online, in person or through the Service NSW Business Bureau app.
Since the launch of this initiative more than 230,000 hours of business support have been provided to women in NSW, with the most sought-after advice being business planning and marketing strategies.
The success of this service is evident in that almost 96 per cent of business owners are satisfied with the service and likely to recommend it to others.
The Service NSW Business Bureau Support for Women in Business online content hub is also there to help women at every stage of their business, with all the tools they need to succeed in one convenient location.
The online content hub is home to a ‘women in business’ toolkit, networking events, grants, funding, mental health support and training opportunities, such as the fully subsidised NSW Government and TAFE NSW Women in Business initiative.
Access the Support for Women in Business online content hub
Enrol in the TAFE NSW Women in Business initiative
Find out more about Service NSW Business Connect
Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said:
“Running a business can provide a better work-life balance but knowing where to start or how to grow can be challenging.
“We want to empower women in NSW with the knowledge to kick-start their business and the confidence to turn their career dreams into a reality.
“From getting started, to marketing and managing cash flow, the Service NSW Business Bureau’s advisory programs provide up to eight hours of free expert, independent and tailored advice for women, no matter where they are in their business journey.”
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
“The women of NSW are smart, savvy and strong. The NSW Government is focused on removing the barriers and challenges women across the State may face at every stage of their business.
“More and more women are establishing their own businesses as a way to get into the labour market. Business Connect and the advisory programs provide them with practical tips and guidance to navigate through the process. This is another way the government is empowering and supporting women to achieve their business dreams.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
“TAFE NSW is proud to be supporting small businesswomen of NSW.
“Owning a small business is no mean feat. Learning the latest business trends, hearing from successful female entrepreneurs and being given access to assistance in setting up and growing your business will help all women on this journey.”