More than 900 women across South Australia are expected to benefit from an extension of the Connecting Women in Business program, with conferences, workshops and networking events planned across metropolitan and regional areas.
The $60,000 extension is part of the South Australian Government’s $8 million Women in Business program, which supports initiatives aimed at helping women start, run and grow businesses. The Connecting Women in Business initiative is designed to provide opportunities for women to exchange knowledge, develop skills and build professional networks.
The new round of activities will run until 30 June 2027 and will be delivered by the City of Charles Sturt, the City of Salisbury and Women Together Learning.
The City of Charles Sturt will deliver the Women in the West Elevate Series, featuring four events including an International Women’s Day Breakfast, two business development workshops and the Women in the West Summit.
The City of Salisbury’s Polaris Business Development Centre will run the Polaris Women in Business Network, including a statewide conference and three smaller networking events. The format reflects feedback that smaller gatherings can provide opportunities for participants to develop closer professional connections.
Women Together Learning will deliver the South Australian Women in Business Connection Series, with four events planned for Mannum, the Limestone Coast, Clare Valley and Kangaroo Island. The sessions will combine business stories, facilitated discussions and networking.
According to the South Australian Government, more than 3,000 people have participated in Connecting Women in Business since its launch in 2023, while the broader Women in Business program has supported more than 5,260 women since 2022. The government describes the program as an eight-year, $8 million commitment aimed at supporting entrepreneurial-minded women across the state.
Minister for Small and Family Business Nadia Clancy said professional networks could help business owners access advice, new opportunities and potential customers, collaborators, employees and mentors.
“Strong networks are invaluable when making decisions that shape the future of a business,” Ms Clancy said.
She said the extended program would give more than 900 women opportunities to build relationships and develop their businesses.
The program covers women at different stages of their business journey, from developing an initial idea through to building capability, employing staff and pursuing growth.
Valerie Wallace, co-owner of Eureka Tours and a participant in the Polaris Women in Business Network, said the network had provided opportunities for mentoring and professional connections.
She said she also encouraged members of her team to take part in the network as part of their professional development.
The Connecting Women in Business initiative is one part of the state’s broader Women in Business program, which also includes the Women in Business Foundations Program, Women in Business Advisory Program and FoundHer Grant Program.
The South Australian Government has also recently expanded the Women in Business Foundations Program, with almost $2.25 million allocated over four years to support a further 1,600 women through mentoring, advisory support and workshops.
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