NSW Female founders program applications open

Applications are now open for the NSW Female Founders Program, which will provide 300 women with an opportunity to grow their startup ideas.

The application pool has doubled since the previous year and will now include women from regional NSW.

The Female Founders Program will guide participants through the various stages of the startup journey, from idea validation to investor pitching, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to develop and grow their ideas.

Anoulack Chanthivong, minister for industry and trade said the government is committed to increasing employment opportunities for women in new and emerging technologies.

“Startups and small to medium enterprises generate over 40 percent of total job creation in Australia, yet the sector is severely underrepresented by women. Just 16 percent of startups globally are founded or cofounded by women, while only 25 per cent of women are in technology careers,” he said.

“We are committed to growing the network of female entrepreneurs and breaking down the barriers for women entering the startup space, recognising the valuable contribution they can make in delivering innovative services and solutions.”

Danielle Morton, founder, at food technology company Zondii completed the Female Founders Program in 2021 and raised $890,000 in seed capital. She said she grew her workforce from one founder to 10 and was named a finalist in the Australian Technologies Competition.

“The Female Founders Program was a game-changer for me – before I joined, I struggled to articulate my startup business and I was juggling a million tasks at once. I had wonderful mentors who helped me pitch to investors with confidence, and I feel like I’m now part of a network of women who’ve got each other’s backs,” she said. 

Chanthivong said a new International Landing Pad at the Sydney Startup Hub will be a place for global technology businesses to establish themselves in NSW and make local connections.

“We want to make it easier for global businesses to set up shop in NSW, and with a dedicated space at the Sydney Startup Hub, we can further enhance NSW’s position as the premier destination for international businesses expanding to Australia,” Mr Chanthivong said. 

“We’ve received positive interest already from companies overseas and we look forward to confirming the residency of businesses when the International Landing Pad opens later this year.”

The expanded Female Founders Program will be delivered over the next two years by Tech Ready Women, an organisation focused on supporting and growing the network of women in the NSW startup community.

NSW will also have its first International Landing Pad, which will provide temporary desk space in the Sydney Startup Hub for global businesses looking to enter the NSW market.

Applications for the Female Founders Program are now open and close July 18.