The NSW Government has provided $500,000 to the Social Enterprise Council of NSW and ACT (SECNA) to run a two-year project to boost women-led social enterprises.
The Women in Business Networks (WIBN) grant program was established in 2023 to provide support for women-led businesses and advance women’s economic empowerment. Under the WIBN, a total of $2 million over 4 years has been allocated to help women in small business build their capacity, and successfully access and leverage formal networks to achieve their business goals.
In 2024, the WIBN grant focused on helping women start or grow social enterprises in NSW.
This year’s grant recipient, SECNA, will engage and support 500 women, including those with disability and from culturally and racially marginalised communities. The Women in Social Enterprise project will connect women with other social entrepreneurs to create strong networks across key sectors and industries. These networks will empower women to share their experiences, access resources, and contribute to each other's success.
The project will establish a network of champions across NSW, to be key points of contact for women who want to start or build their social enterprise. These champions will host local, face to face networking events and connect women to the resources and support they need. Participants will also have ready access to advice through an online community for peer support, as well as virtual webinars. Access to expert advice and collaboration will help women overcome challenges facing them as leaders of social enterprises in NSW and to set up their social enterprises for success.
More information about the WIBN grant program is available online at https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/wibn
NSW Women who want to start or grow their social enterprise can register to be part of SECNA’s program at https://www.secna.org.au/
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
“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.
“The government is addressing a gap in assistance for women-led businesses, especially those run by women with disability and women from culturally and racially marginalised communities.
“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.
CEO of The Social Enterprise Council of NSW & ACT (SECNA) Kylie Flament said:
“Social enterprises are businesses that put people and planet first. They trade like any other business but exist specifically to make the world a better place.
“Social enterprise is relational, not transactional. This means that many barriers to participation are overcome by connecting and collaborating with each other.
“Many women are running social enterprises without knowing it and so aren't accessing the incredible community that is there to support them, share learnings and resources, and contribute to their success. This grant will enable us to reach those women and ensure that they are part of strong networks geographically and in a range of industries and impact areas.”