The Albanese Labor Government is supporting hundreds more women to achieve their small business dreams, investing an additional $4 million to She Means - a Council of Small Business Organisations Australia program.
This investment, under the Advancing Gender Equality in Gender Segregated Industries, funds a two-year extension of COSBOA's national She Means initiative.
She Means focuses on women in male-dominated industries, helping to improve female workforce participation, retention and career progression.
Building on the success of the She Means pilot, the Albanese Government is supporting the program for a further 2 years so it can grow from helping 30 small businesses, to 120 small businesses.
She Means has supported women to gain new qualifications, build leadership capability, and access the tools, networks and opportunities they need to succeed.
The next phase will apply the lessons from the pilot at a national scale, onboarding 120 businesses into a six-month program to improve outcomes for women in gender-segregated industries.
Participating businesses will receive tailored support to implement improvements, with independent evaluation tracking progress and longer‑term outcomes.
This funding builds on $2 million provided to COSBOA for the initial phase of She Means.
That work involved research and development of industry‑specific toolkits, training materials and an implementation guide, delivering assistance to 30 small businesses nationally.
A general toolkit was produced during the initial phase, with HR templates, infographics and policy guidance designed for ongoing use by small businesses.
She Means is part of the Government's $28.5 million extension to the Advancing Gender Equality in Gender Segregated Industries program to address barriers to women's participation and advancement in male-dominated workplaces and industries.
This work will help create more inclusive and supportive workplaces, open clearer pathways into non‑traditional roles and strengthen retention and progression outcomes for women.
Quotes attributable to Acting Prime Minister, Richard Marles:
"The Albanese Labor Government is committed to building an economy where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, succeed and get ahead.
"Supporting women's workforce participation is good for women, good for businesses and good for Australia's economy.
"This investment will help create more inclusive workplaces, open up new opportunities and ensure more Australians can pursue rewarding careers and reach their full potential."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth:
"If we want a more inclusive economy, we need to actively break down the barriers that prevent women from thriving in male dominated industries.
"Our government is investing in practical, evidence‑based, solutions that work for small businesses and help them attract, retain and support talented women.
"I congratulate COSBOA on securing this funding. The She Means program will support small businesses across Australia to make practical improvements that help more women enter, remain and progress in gender‑segregated industries."
Quotes attributable to COSBOA CEO, Skye Cappuccio:
"COSBOA is excited to deliver the She Means program, which will help bring more women into small business sectors where they are underrepresented.
"This innovative program will build women's confidence, capability and skills across the country, while providing small businesses with a practical blueprint for attracting, retaining and supporting women in the workplace."
