Government program saves Women in Business over $1m
In a landmark achievement, 1000 South Australian women, many of whom are first-time business owners, have collectively saved more than $1 million in fees through the Labor Government’s Women in Business Foundations program. And given that 40% of small businesses in South Australia are women-owned, this initiative is a welcomed one, aiming to support women in new businesses and generate employment.
The program encompasses two streams: Foundations and Advisory. The Foundations program, tailored for women venturing into business ownership, is delivered by the Adelaide Business Hub. It offers mentoring and small group workshops covering essential business skills, such as management, finance, accounting, marketing, digital technologies, and cybersecurity. Typically costing around $1350, this comprehensive training and support are subsidised with participants paying a significantly reduced fee of $88.
“It is incredible that 1000 women have now completed the Malinauskas Government’s Women in Business Foundations program. That’s 1000 women with the skills to successfully start and run a new business and employ South Australians”, said Minister for Small and Family Business, Andrea Michaels said.
The program has gained traction among women from regional areas too, including the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula, and Kangaroo Island, to name a few. Recognising the crucial role small businesses play in South Australia’s economy, contributing $49 billion annually and employing 300,000 South Australians, the Malinauskas Government is committed to reducing the cost of doing business.
Bridgette Hasting, a participant in the Women in Business Foundations program and owner of Barossa Helicopters, highlighted the program’s impact on her business. “Through the Women in Business Foundations program, we learned how to run our social media with better engagement, as well as how to build and maintain our website and online booking platform,” she said. “We truly believe that without the Women in Business program, we would not be where we are today. Our personal business commitment to the program has proved invaluable to us for our ongoing business success.”
With a continued dedication to supporting small business owners, the Malinauskas Government aims to encourage growth and success, exemplified by the substantial savings and empowerment achieved through the Women in Business program.
