Women on the Mid North Coast are set to receive targeted support to start and grow their own businesses, as part of a $500,000 investment under the State Government’s 2025–26 Supporting Women in Business grants program.
Two organisations – the Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council and The Social Outcomes Lab – have secured funding through the initiative, which will benefit more than 90 women across New South Wales, with a strong focus on Aboriginal and migrant women.
In the Nambucca Valley, Bellingen Shire and Coffs Harbour, Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council will deliver its new program, Empowering Nyamis in Business and Culture, Strengthening Skills, Confidence and Economic Independence. The initiative provides tailored support to Aboriginal women aiming to launch or grow a micro or small business. Participants will receive mentoring, business training, networking opportunities and assistance with accessing finance.
Unkya CEO Michele Donovan said the program would provide practical, culturally grounded support for women in regional communities.
“Utilising their strong cultural connections, stories and language to develop a sound tourism product, or cultural tourism experience, 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,” she said.
“This holistic approach ensures Aboriginal women receive comprehensive support from business ideation to securing finance and launching their business.”
The program aligns with one of the key focus areas of the NSW Women’s Strategy, which is to increase women’s economic participation and leadership.
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said initiatives like this help women bring business ideas to life.
“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 that 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 welcomed the regional focus of the funding.
“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,” she said.
“These grants are about backing women who are creating opportunity not just for themselves, but for their families, their communities and their local economies.”
A second funded program, run by The Social Outcomes Lab, will support migrant and refugee women in western and southern Sydney, as well as Queanbeyan-Palerang. The initiative, Business Incubator for Migrant Women Foodpreneurs, combines business and culinary training with mentoring and professional network access.
Managing Director Nazia Ahmed said the program had the potential to build both businesses and social cohesion.
“This accelerator program has the potential to transform lives while strengthening social cohesion across New South Wales,” Ms Ahmed said.
“By sharing the stories of these food entrepreneurs, the program will foster greater understanding and connection across communities.”
Women currently make up around 34 per cent of small business owners in NSW, according to the 2021 Census, with men comprising the remaining 66 per cent. Small businesses represent 97 per cent of all NSW enterprises and employ 1.7 million people.
Minister Harrison said the rise in women-led micro-businesses is encouraging, and programs like these are designed to support that trend.
“Women-run businesses, especially micro-businesses, are on the rise, and the Minns Government is working hard to empower women across the state to fulfil their ambitions of running their own business,” she said.
Minister Saffin added: “When we invest in women-led small businesses, we invest in more resilient, inclusive and innovative communities.”
More information on the Supporting Women in Business grants program can be found at:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/2025-26-supporting-women-business-grants.
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