NSW Women-Owned Business Hub Launched – Free Registration

The NSW Government has launched Australia's first dedicated database for women-owned businesses, connecting women entrepreneurs with government contracts and commercial opportunities worth up to $3 million.

The Women-Owned Enterprises Australia Supplier Network received over $190,000 in funding and aims to register 3,000 women-owned businesses within three years.

What Is the Women-Owned Enterprises Supplier Network?

This new hub serves as Australia's first verified database specifically showcasing women-owned and women-led businesses across NSW.

The network matches registered businesses with NSW Government tenders under $3 million and connects them with commercial buyers actively seeking women-owned suppliers.

Why This Matters for Women Business Owners

Women remain significantly underrepresented in small business ownership across NSW. The 2021 Census shows only 34% of NSW small business owners are women, compared with 66% who are men.

This gap represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Increasing women's representation in business ownership drives economic growth while advancing social progress.

Who Can Join the Network?

The network is open to women-owned and women-led businesses operating across NSW in all industries and sectors.

Eligible businesses include:

• Women-owned enterprises (majority ownership)
• Women-led businesses (women in leadership roles)
• Product-based businesses
• Service providers
• Consultants and professional services
• Trades and technical businesses

Registration involves verification to ensure businesses meet women-owned criteria, maintaining database integrity for buyers seeking certified women-owned suppliers.

What Opportunities Does the Network Provide?

Registered businesses gain visibility to NSW Government procurement teams and commercial buyers actively seeking women-owned suppliers.

Key benefits include:

• Access to NSW Government tenders under $3 million
• Connections with commercial buyers
• Increased visibility for your business
• Procurement-readiness workshops
• Networking opportunities
• Small business summit access

The network operates as dedicated infrastructure designed to identify, verify, and actively connect women-owned enterprises into procurement supply chains.

Simple Ways to Get Found Locally

While the Women-Owned Enterprises Network opens government contract opportunities, local visibility helps attract everyday customers.

Claim your Google Business Profile. This free tool puts your business in front of locals searching for your products or services.

Keep your information current. Update hours, photos, and contact details regularly so customers find accurate information.

Additional Support Available

Beyond database registration, the program includes practical support to help women succeed in procurement.

Industry-specific workshops cover procurement readiness, helping businesses understand tender processes, develop competitive proposals, and meet government supplier requirements.

A dedicated small business summit brings together women business owners to build knowledge, expand networks, and develop confidence in pursuing larger contracts.

Part of Broader Government Support

The Women-Owned Enterprises Network forms part of wider NSW Government initiatives supporting women's economic participation.

This includes NSW membership in WEConnect, a global network connecting women-owned businesses with corporate buyers, plus ongoing funding through Supporting Women in Business Grants and Investing in Women Grants programs.

How to Register Your Business

Registration for the Women-Owned Enterprises Australia Supplier Network is managed through Entrepreneurial & Small Businesswomen Australia (ESBWA).

Visit the ESBWA website to begin your registration and access information about verification requirements and network benefits.

The network aims to register 3,000 women-owned businesses within three years, creating Australia's most comprehensive verified database of women-led enterprises.

The Economic Impact

Increasing diversity in government and commercial supply chains strengthens the overall economy while creating opportunities for businesses previously operating without visibility.

For women business owners, the network provides infrastructure that has been missing from Australian procurement until now—a coordinated mechanism to connect women-owned enterprises with buyers actively seeking diverse suppliers.

This represents meaningful progress toward economic equality, using government purchasing power to create tangible opportunities for women entrepreneurs across NSW.

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