Westpac today launched the Westpac Female Founder Awards, a national awards program open to customers and non-customers, recognising and supporting women building businesses across Australia.
Over the past three years, Westpac has lent $1 billion to help more than 2,100 women start or grow a business. Today many of those businesses are not just surviving, they are expanding interstate, franchising nationally and eyeing international markets.
"We're backing businesses based on the strength of their business plan and financial projections. Many of our customers were turned away by other lenders before finding Westpac's startup loan. It's been great to be able to support these businesses and watch them grow," said Paul Fowler, Westpac Chief Executive, Business & Wealth.
Thousands of women have now received funding supporting a diverse range of industries, with Business Services, Retail, Health & Business and Professional Services among the top five.
"We're seeing female-led businesses grow across every state and territory. While capital cities still have the largest number of female-led businesses starting up or scaling up, we're now seeing more growth outside the major metros - especially in regional Queensland and Western Australia," said Paul Fowler.
The Westpac Female Founder Awards pair public recognition with practical support and winners share a $200,000 prize pool.
There are three national category winners recognising businesses across every stage:
- Trailblazer - businesses that are less than three years old and already changing the game. They are disrupting their industry, market, or the status quo through an innovative product, service, or business model
- Thrive - businesses three years or older, that have built something that lasts - grown consistently, evolved with their industry and proven that their vision has real, lasting commercial power
- Greater Good - businesses and social enterprises whose products or services drive positive change in our communities, creating impact that is meaningful and commercially sustainable.
These winners will win a $10,000 cash prize plus the choice of coaching, media training or mentoring.
And one outstanding finalist will be selected as the overall Founder of the Year:
- Founder of the Year - Those who have stood out, whether for their impact, growth potential or ability to inspire others.
The prize includes $30,000 cash and a one‑month, national, advertising campaign for the winner's business
"This next chapter is about continuing to back women earlier, faster and with greater confidence," said Tamara Bryden, Westpac Managing Director, Business Lending.
"Launching these awards is about shining a light on women building real businesses. Recognition matters but it must sit alongside real capital, real bankers and real support. Confidence doesn't build a business. Access does."
Applications for the Westpac Female Founder Awards are now open and will close 30 June. Enter here.
