Gympie Regional Council has partnered with the State Government to launch a program aimed at encouraging more women to get into business.
The SAGE (Succeed, Achieve, Grow and Employ) program was launched an International Women’s Day event hosted in Gympie on Wednesday night.
Minister for Small Business Shannon Fentiman announced that nominations for the program are now open.
“The SAGE Women Project will host a range of activities and events for women in business throughout the year including workshops, roundtable discussions and industry events,” Ms Fentiman said.
“It’s our plan to give women the tools, support and skills they need to start, grow and employ, and ultimately lead and succeed, in their own organisations.”
The program will focus on women who work in construction; agriculture, timber and forestry; manufacturing; health care and social assistance; tourism; and digital industries.
Gympie Mayor Mick Curran said the project aims to identify aspirations and development opportunities for women in business, and provide support.
“This program will provide the opportunity for them to share their knowledge, inspire and be inspired as well mentor up and coming fellow businesswomen,” Mayor Curran said.
Ms Fentiman said the partnership project is part of the State Government’s Advancing Women in Business initiative.
“Women now make up just over a third of Australian business operators,” she said.
“It is because of this gender gap the Queensland Government is investing in women to help them start and grow small businesses, and importantly, to employ.”
More information is available on www.business.qld.gov.au/women.
