In recent years, New South Wales (NSW) has seen a remarkable rise in women-led businesses across its regional and rural landscapes. From boutique retailers and agricultural ventures to tech startups and service-based enterprises, women in regional areas are contributing significantly to their local economies and community development. Yet, despite their growth, many still face challenges such as access to funding, business networks, and mentorship opportunities.
This is where Service NSW has stepped up as a vital champion for regional women in business. Through tailored support programs, dedicated concierge services, grants, and training opportunities, Service NSW ensures that women entrepreneurs in every corner of the state — from the Riverina to the Northern Rivers — are empowered to start, scale, and sustain successful businesses.
Understanding the Challenges Facing Regional Women Entrepreneurs
Running a business in a regional area has its own unique set of challenges:
- Limited access to financial capital and grant awareness
- Difficulty navigating regulatory requirements and permits
- Lack of business networks and professional mentorship
- Digital connectivity issues or insufficient marketing knowledge
- Fewer opportunities to export or scale internationally
Women entrepreneurs often juggle these barriers alongside personal responsibilities like caregiving and community engagement. That’s why targeted support is essential — and Service NSW is actively filling this gap.
Business Concierge: A Lifeline for Regional Women
The Service NSW Business Concierge program is a game-changer for regional business owners. Women can book a one-on-one consultation — by phone, online, or in person — and receive customized advice across a wide range of topics:
- Registering a new business
- Understanding compliance and local council requirements
- Finding and applying for business grants
- Exploring marketing and digital transformation strategies
- Building connections with local networks
Regional women often cite the personal touch of these services as a key differentiator — especially when navigating bureaucratic hurdles or seeking clarity around local permits and regulations.
Programs Empowering Regional Women Entrepreneurs
Service NSW collaborates with a range of state-wide and federal programs to help regional women-owned businesses grow. These include:
1. Women in Business Online Program
Developed in partnership with TAFE NSW, this free, self-paced course helps women build skills in marketing, operations, finance, and strategic planning. It’s especially useful for women who cannot travel for face-to-face workshops.
2. Regional Job Creation Fund
Businesses looking to expand or hire locally may be eligible for this fund, which supports job creation and capital investment in regional NSW.
3. Aboriginal Business Support
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in business can access specialist advisors, business planning tools, and dedicated grants to support enterprise growth in rural and regional communities.
4. Business Connect Mentoring
Free, personalized mentoring from accredited business advisors — many of whom are experienced women entrepreneurs themselves.
5. NSW Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate
This rebate helps businesses offset the cost of licences, permits, inspections, and other government fees — a vital support for small, cash-strapped startups in rural areas.
Success Story: Fiona’s Artisan Cheese Business in the Riverina
Fiona launched her small-batch cheese company, “River Gold Dairy,” in 2021 with limited resources. Living in a remote part of the Riverina, she initially struggled with navigating food handling licences and regional health regulations.
After connecting with a Service NSW Business Concierge, she received step-by-step guidance on permit applications, accessed the Women in Business training, and was able to claim the fees and charges rebate. Today, River Gold Dairy sells at farmers markets and gourmet stores throughout NSW and is preparing for an export push into Southeast Asia.
“Without Service NSW, I honestly wouldn’t have known where to start. They walked with me at every step,” Fiona says.
Promoting Digital Inclusion in Regional Areas
For women in regional areas, mastering digital tools is a game-changer. Service NSW supports this through:
- Digital business advisory sessions under the Business Connect program
- Free online workshops on SEO, social media marketing, and e-commerce
- Assistance with setting up business websites and payment platforms
This helps women-owned businesses in remote towns tap into broader markets — from Sydney and Melbourne to international buyers through platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and Amazon.
How to Get Started
If you’re a woman entrepreneur in a regional part of NSW and are looking to start or grow your business, here’s how you can begin your journey with Service NSW:
- Visit: service.nsw.gov.au/business
- Call: 13 77 88 and ask to speak with a Business Concierge
- Join: the Women in Business online program for free training
- Subscribe: to Small Business Month updates and event calendars
Conclusion: An Inclusive Future for Women in Regional NSW
Regional women are already transforming NSW’s business landscape — and with the backing of Service NSW, their momentum continues to grow. Whether it’s through tailored advice, access to funding, or targeted mentorship, Service NSW is committed to removing barriers and fostering a thriving, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
It’s never too late to start — and you don’t have to do it alone.
💬 Interested in sharing your own story of regional business success as a woman entrepreneur? We welcome guest articles. Email us at [email protected]
