In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, building the right connections can be just as vital as having a great product or business idea. For women entrepreneurs in New South Wales (NSW), networking is not just about exchanging business cards—it’s about building meaningful relationships, gaining mentorship, finding new markets, and accessing valuable resources that can accelerate growth. Fortunately, NSW offers a wealth of structured business networking opportunities specifically designed to support and empower women in business.
Whether you’re launching a new startup, scaling an established business, or seeking partners for collaboration, this guide outlines the key business networking channels and events for women across NSW.
Why Networking Is Essential for Women in Business
Women face unique challenges in the business world—ranging from limited access to capital, to underrepresentation in leadership roles, and often a lack of confidence stemming from exclusion from traditional business circles. This makes tailored networking opportunities especially valuable.
Effective networking can help women entrepreneurs:
- Connect with mentors and business advisors
- Access funding opportunities
- Meet potential collaborators and suppliers
- Gain exposure for their brand or services
- Build emotional resilience and community support
1. Women in Business Program by TAFE NSW
This free online program is supported by Service NSW and specifically designed for women who are starting or already running a small business. Beyond training modules, the program also offers:
- Webinars with guest entrepreneurs and experts
- Peer networking via online discussion forums
- Access to female-focused business meetups
Register here: TAFE Women in Business
2. Business Connect Networking Events
Business Connect, funded by the NSW Government, regularly hosts networking sessions and seminars that are inclusive of women entrepreneurs. Many regions offer women-focused events and panels, particularly during NSW Small Business Month.
These events are excellent for:
- Local relationship building
- Connecting with government-backed advisors
- Gaining insights on grants and licensing
Check upcoming events: Business Connect
3. Women’s Business Networks Across NSW
There are several local and regional networking groups exclusively for women in business. These include:
Women with Altitude
A vibrant network that offers monthly events, coffee catchups, awards, and conferences for female entrepreneurs across Greater Sydney and regional NSW.
She Will Shine
A supportive business community that caters to women in creative and service-based businesses, offering both online and face-to-face networking.
Australian Women’s Network
A professional platform for women-led SMEs to connect, grow and share. It includes masterclasses, trade expos, and referral-based events.
Local Chambers of Commerce (Women in Business chapters)
Many chambers in towns like Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Newcastle, and Coffs Harbour host monthly women-in-business breakfasts or networking lunches.
4. NSW Small Business Month – October Every Year
NSW Small Business Month is an annual statewide festival celebrating the contribution of small businesses. Women entrepreneurs can benefit from:
- Panel discussions featuring successful female founders
- Business expos and networking nights
- Workshops on marketing, finance, and government tenders
Many events during this time are hosted by women’s business associations and often focus on empowerment, leadership, and scaling businesses.
5. Social Enterprise and Multicultural Networking Events
If you’re a woman entrepreneur from a multicultural background, there are specialized events to help you grow your network:
- NSW Council for Social Service (NCOSS) events supporting social enterprise-led women
- Multicultural NSW networking dinners and community-led business nights
- Asuria’s Women in Business Mentoring Circles for CALD women
6. Industry-Specific Networking for Women
Depending on your industry, you may want to connect with peers in your vertical. Some active industry-specific women’s networks include:
- Women in Construction NSW
- Women in Tech Australia (Sydney-based with NSW chapters)
- Australian Women in Agriculture
- Women in Finance Australia
These networks not only provide peer support but also offer mentorship programs, awards, and sponsorships for training and events.
7. How to Stay Updated
To make the most of networking, it’s important to stay informed about upcoming events and new programs. Here’s how:
- Subscribe to Service NSW business newsletters
- Follow Business Connect and Small Business Commissioner on LinkedIn
- Join Eventbrite groups relevant to your region and business niche
- Register with your local council’s economic development office
Conclusion: Community is Power
For women entrepreneurs in NSW, networking isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a strategic business tool. Through structured programs, peer groups, and digital platforms, there are more opportunities than ever to connect with like-minded women, learn from successful mentors, and find the support needed to thrive in business.
No matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey—startup, growth, or scale—you’re not alone. Tap into NSW’s vibrant women-in-business community and let your network become your net worth.
📢 Want to Feature Your Event or Success Story?
We welcome stories from women entrepreneurs and event organizers. Share your upcoming networking events, or tell us how connecting with others helped you succeed. Email us at [email protected]
