NSW Government Allocates $500,000 to Boost Women-Led Social Enterprises

The NSW Government has allocated $500,000 to the Social Enterprise Council of NSW and ACT (SECNA) for a two-year initiative to support women-led social enterprises. This effort is part of the Women in Business Networks (WIBN) grant program, launched in 2023 to empower women economically by backing women-led businesses.

Under the WIBN program, $2 million has been earmarked over four years to help women in small businesses build capacity and leverage formal networks. The 2024 WIBN grant focuses on assisting women in starting or expanding social enterprises in NSW.

SECNA’s Role in Empowering Women

This year’s grant recipient, SECNA, will support 500 women, including those with disabilities and from culturally and racially marginalised communities. The Women in Social Enterprise project aims to connect these women with other social entrepreneurs, fostering robust networks across key sectors and industries. These networks will enable women to share experiences, access resources, and support each other’s success.

Building a Supportive Network

The project will establish a network of champions across NSW, serving as key contacts for women looking to start or build their social enterprises. These champions will host local face-to-face networking events and connect women to necessary resources and support. Participants will also have access to advice through an online community for peer support and virtual webinars. Expert advice and collaboration opportunities will help women overcome challenges and set up their social enterprises for success.

For more information about the WIBN grant program, visit the NSW Women in Business Networks website. Women interested in starting or growing their social enterprises can register for SECNA’s program on the SECNA website.

Government and SECNA Statements

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison emphasised the importance of empowering women in business:

“Our government is committed to empowering women in business to seize opportunities to succeed financially and independently, as well as making it easier for like-minded women to connect and share their knowledge and expertise. The Women in Business Networks grant is designed to support women who are on an exciting path of entrepreneurship and are set to flourish with a little extra support. This grant ensures that women-led businesses can continue to go from strength to strength, not only achieving their own goals but inspiring others to begin their own business journeys.”

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