Two local organisations in New South Wales have been awarded $250,000 each through the Supporting Women in Business Grants program 2025/26, aimed at helping over 90 women enhance their skills, confidence, and capacity to achieve their business goals. The funding was granted to Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council and The Social Outcomes Lab, supporting initiatives that provide targeted business training, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council will run its program, “Empowering Nyamis in Business and Culture, Strengthening Skills, Confidence and Economic Independence,” in Nambucca Valley, Bellingen Shire, and Coffs Harbour. The program is designed to help Aboriginal women start or grow micro and small businesses, particularly in tourism and cultural experiences that showcase Gumbaynggirr culture. Participants will receive mentoring, business training, access to finance, and networking opportunities, providing holistic support from business ideation to product launch.
The Social Outcomes Lab will deliver its accelerator program, “Business Incubator for Migrant Women Foodpreneurs,” across Cumberland, Campbelltown, Parramatta, and Queanbeyan-Palerang. This program focuses on empowering migrant and refugee women to build sustainable food businesses through business and culinary training, confidence-building, and access to professional networks and investment opportunities. It also seeks to strengthen social cohesion by sharing the stories of food entrepreneurs and creating pathways toward a global social franchise model that enhances livelihoods and entrepreneurial opportunities for women.
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison emphasized that the grants are part of the government’s commitment to supporting women with practical tools, guidance, and mentoring to transform innovative ideas into thriving businesses. Both initiatives aim to foster economic independence, community connection, and long-term entrepreneurial success for women in New South Wales.
