Women in New South Wales (NSW) are starting businesses in record numbers, bringing innovation, community impact, and new ideas to industries across the state. However, despite growing enthusiasm and entrepreneurship, many women still face unique challenges when starting or expanding their ventures — from accessing capital to balancing family responsibilities and navigating complex regulations.
To help overcome these barriers, Service NSW offers a dedicated suite of programs, resources, and one-on-one support to empower women entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re starting a home-based startup, launching a regional venture, or scaling an export-ready company, Service NSW is a reliable partner in your business success story.
Why Focus on Women in Business?
Empowering women in business isn’t just about equality — it’s about driving economic growth, job creation, and community development. According to various economic studies, businesses led by women are more likely to reinvest in their communities and often prioritize sustainable and inclusive business models.
However, many women still face structural challenges including:
- Lack of access to capital and funding opportunities
- Limited access to business networks and mentorship
- Overrepresentation in lower-profit sectors
- Challenges in balancing business and caregiving roles
Service NSW recognizes these challenges and offers a wide array of support services tailored to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs.
Key Programs Supporting Women in Business Through Service NSW
1. Business Concierge Service
One of the most valuable tools offered by Service NSW is the Business Concierge — a dedicated advisor who provides personalized, one-on-one support for navigating government requirements, applying for permits, understanding grants, and setting up your business the right way. Women can access culturally sensitive and relevant advice through this free service.
2. Grants and Funding Pathways
Service NSW helps women discover and apply for state and federal business grants. These grants may include funding for innovation, regional development, export expansion, and disaster recovery. Advisors can also guide you through how to prepare a strong application that highlights your business plan and community impact.
3. Networking and Mentorship Opportunities
Women in business benefit greatly from connection, mentorship, and collaborative communities. Through partnerships with local chambers of commerce, industry groups, and the Business Connect program, Service NSW facilitates introductions to mentor networks and training programs specifically designed for women.
4. Digital Skills and Training Support
Building a strong digital presence is essential in today’s market. Service NSW, in collaboration with Business Connect and other education providers, offers access to training programs in social media, digital marketing, eCommerce setup, cybersecurity, and more — often with a focus on women-led businesses.
5. Support for Multicultural and Aboriginal Women
Service NSW works with multicultural advisors and Aboriginal Business Concierge services to support diverse women in business. This includes help with translating regulations into your preferred language and accessing grants that focus on inclusion and Indigenous enterprise growth.
How to Access Support: Step-by-Step
Getting started with Service NSW is simple:
- Visit the official Service NSW business hub: service.nsw.gov.au/business
- Click “Get support from a Business Concierge”
- Fill out the online enquiry form with details about your business or startup idea
- Select your preference for a phone, video, or in-person consultation
- Specify if you’re interested in women-specific business support or cultural resources
You’ll receive confirmation from your assigned advisor and can begin your journey with expert guidance tailored to your needs.
Success Stories: Women Changing the Face of NSW Business
Across NSW, women entrepreneurs are leveraging Service NSW support to build thriving businesses:
- Emma from Wollongong used a Business Concierge to navigate regional business grants and opened her zero-waste cafe within 6 months.
- Jasmin, an Aboriginal designer from Dubbo, accessed marketing training and community business grants to launch her e-commerce platform for Indigenous artwork.
- Lina, a migrant entrepreneur from Parramatta, received translation support and licensing help to establish her family-owned childcare centre.
These are just a few of the many women creating real change through the power of business, made possible in part by accessible, inclusive support from Service NSW.
Tips for Women Starting a Business in NSW
- Use the Business Concierge to build a compliance checklist tailored to your industry
- Attend workshops and digital skills training through the Business Connect program
- Apply early for relevant grants — many have rolling deadlines
- Leverage your local council’s small business support team in addition to Service NSW
- Seek out women-led networks or co-working spaces in your area
Conclusion: Breaking Barriers, Building Businesses
Women across NSW are breaking barriers and redefining what it means to lead, innovate, and thrive in business. Through structured support from Service NSW — including expert guidance, grants access, culturally inclusive resources, and mentorship — more women than ever are taking control of their entrepreneurial dreams.
Whether you’re at the idea stage or ready to grow, there’s help available to move forward with confidence.
Visit service.nsw.gov.au/business or call 13 77 88 to connect with a Business Concierge today.
📬 Want to Share Your Business Journey?
Have you built a women-led business with help from Service NSW? We invite you to inspire others by sharing your experience as a guest post.
Email your story or pitch to [email protected]
