The NSW Government has announced the launch of Australia’s first dedicated database to showcase women-owned businesses, aimed at strengthening connections and opening new commercial opportunities across the state.
The NSW Government has committed more than $190,000 to Entrepreneurial & Small Businesswomen Australia (ESBWA) to develop the Women-Owned Enterprises Australia Supplier Network. The online hub is designed to increase the visibility of women-led businesses of all sizes and link them with procurement opportunities.
Under the initiative, women-owned enterprises listed on the database will be matched with commercial businesses and NSW Government tenders valued at under $3 million. The target is to register 3,000 women-owned businesses within three years, expanding their access to contracts and new markets.
Women remain under-represented in small business ownership, often facing barriers such as limited access to finance and formal networks. According to the 2021 Census, around 34 per cent of small business owners in New South Wales are women, compared with 66 per cent who are men. The government says increasing female participation in business ownership will support economic growth and broader social progress.
In addition to establishing the Supplier Network, ESBWA will deliver industry-specific procurement readiness workshops to address knowledge gaps and help women better navigate tender processes. A small business summit is also planned to provide networking and learning opportunities.
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy by the NSW Government to expand women’s economic participation and promote gender equality. The state has also secured membership to the WEConnect global women-owned business network, enabling verified women-led enterprises to connect with buyers in New South Wales and beyond.
Further measures include partnerships through the Supporting Women in Business Grants and Investing in Women Grants programmes, aimed at strengthening opportunities for female entrepreneurs.
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the programme is intended to give women greater access to government procurement and business growth opportunities. Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said the database would ensure women-led enterprises are more visible when contracts and tenders are awarded.
Amanda Rose, founder and chief executive of ESBWA, said the project establishes a coordinated framework to identify, verify and connect women-owned enterprises into supply chains, marking a first for Australia.
More information about the Women-Owned Enterprises Australia Supplier Network is available through ESBWA.
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