The Minns Labor Government is investing in women-led businesses across New South Wales, with $500,000 in funding aimed at helping more than 90 women increase their skills, confidence and business opportunities.
The funding, provided through the Supporting Women in Business Grants 2025/26, will support two organisations: Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council and The Social Outcomes Lab. Their programs target Aboriginal, migrant and refugee women, helping them start or grow micro and small businesses.
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the grants were a vital boost for aspiring female entrepreneurs. “I’ve met many women across New South Wales who have shared fantastic ideas for a small business – they just need a bit of support to get them off the ground,” she said.
“These grants are one of the ways the government is partnering with local organisations, to provide women with additional help, such as business training plus mentoring, so they feel confident and have the right guidance to grow their idea into a thriving business.”
Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin emphasised the wider economic benefits. “These grants are about backing women who are creating opportunity not just for themselves, but for their families, their communities and their local economies,” she said. “I’m especially pleased to see funding going to an Aboriginal-led organisation on the North Coast, where women are driving economic strength while preserving culture and community connection.”
“Supporting a migrant women-led organisation recognises the incredible contribution migrant women make to our small business sector, often overcoming significant barriers to build successful enterprises.”
Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council will deliver the “Empowering Nyamis in Business and Culture” program in the Nambucca Valley, Bellingen Shire and Coffs Harbour. CEO Michele Donovan said the initiative would combine cultural knowledge with practical business skills. “Aboriginal women will gain skills, confidence and resources needed to start or grow micro and small businesses, from ideation to a developed product or business which will showcase the Gumbaynggirr Cultural experience for tourists who visit our region,” Donovan said.
Meanwhile, The Social Outcomes Lab’s “Business incubator for migrant women foodpreneurs” program will run in Cumberland, Campbelltown, Parramatta and Queanbeyan-Palerang. Managing Director Nazia Ahmed said the program would transform lives while strengthening social cohesion. “It will support culturally and linguistically diverse women to build sustainable food businesses through practical training, confidence-building, and access to professional networks and investment pathways,” Ahmed said.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of New South Wales, making up 97 per cent of all businesses in the state and employing 1.7 million people. But women are still underrepresented, making up only 34 per cent of small business owners, according to the 2021 Census. The grants aim to address that imbalance and boost female participation in entrepreneurship and business leadership.
Harrison said the program reflects the Minns Government’s broader commitment to empowering women across the state. “Women-run businesses, especially micro-businesses, are on the rise, and the Minns Government is working hard to help women fulfil their ambitions of running their own business,” she said.
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