Two local organisations have received $250,000 each in funding from the New South Wales government to support more than 90 women to increase their skills and confidence to achieve their business goals.
Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council and The Social Outcomes Lab have won the grants as part of the government’s Supporting Women in Business Grants program 2025/26.
“I’ve met many women across New South Wales who have shared fantastic ideas for a small business – they just need a bit of support to get them off the ground,” Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said on Tuesday.
“These grants are one of the ways the government is partnering with local organisations, to provide women with that additional help, such as business training plus mentoring, so they feel confident and have the right guidance to grow their idea into a thriving business.”
Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council’s program “Empowering Nyamis in Business and Culture, Strengthening Skills, Confidence and Economic Independence” will provide support to Aboriginal women starting or growing their micro or small business. The program will be run in Nambucca Valley, Bellingen Shire, and Coffs Harbour, with supports including mentoring, business training, networking and access to finance.
“Utilising their strong cultural connections, stories and language to develop a sound tourism product, or cultural tourism experience, Aboriginal women will gain skills, confidence and resources needed to start or grow micro and small businesses, from ideation to a developed product or business which will showcase the Gumbaynggirr Cultural experience for tourists who visit our region,” Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council CEO Michele Donovan said.
“This holistic approach ensures Aboriginal Women receive comprehensive support from business ideation to securing finance and launching their business.”
Meanwhile, The Social Outcomes Lab’s accelerator program, “Business incubator for migrant women foodpreneurs”, will support migrant and refugee women with business training, culinary training and empowerment training to run a food business.
The program will be run in Cumberland, Campbelltown, Parramatta and Queanbeyan-Palerang.
“This accelerator program has the potential to transform lives while strengthening social cohesion across New South Wales,” said the Social Outcomes Lab Managing Director Nazia Ahmed.
“It will support culturally and linguistically diverse women to build sustainable food businesses through practical training, confidence-building, and access to professional networks and investment pathways.
“By sharing the stories of these food entrepreneurs, the program will foster greater understanding and connection across communities. In the longer term, this initiative also creates a pathway to develop a global social franchise model that improves livelihoods, builds hope, and supports women to realise their entrepreneurial aspirations.”