March marks an important time to recognise and celebrate the achievements of women in business. As International Women’s Day approaches, we at Plum Digital Hub want to shine a light on the incredible contributions made by female entrepreneurs in Wangaratta, Victoria, and across Australia. Women are not just building businesses; they’re shaping industries, innovating solutions, and driving positive social impact. In this blog, we’ll explore the inspiring rise of women in business and how we, as a community, can continue to support their success.
The Rise of Women Entrepreneurs in Australia
Over the past two decades, women have made significant strides in the business world. According to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), women now represent 38.2% of senior and middle management positions in Australia (WGEA, 2023). Additionally, female business ownership has grown by 46%, with women increasingly choosing entrepreneurship as a pathway to financial independence and creative expression (Girltalk HQ, 2023).
Women-led businesses are also contributing billions to the Australian economy. From small startups to thriving enterprises, these ventures are creating jobs, driving innovation, and fostering inclusive growth. Despite challenges such as access to funding and overcoming gender bias, women entrepreneurs continue to defy the odds and build sustainable businesses (Womens Agenda, 2023).
Why Supporting Women in Business Matters
The benefits of supporting women in business extend beyond individual success stories. Research shows that companies led by women often achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty due to their focus on relationship-building and personalised service (Mums & Co, 2022). Furthermore, women entrepreneurs tend to invest back into their communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Initiatives such as the Boosting Female Founders Initiative have been instrumental in helping women access funding and resources. However, local communities also play a vital role in supporting female entrepreneurs. By choosing to shop local, engage with women-led businesses, and provide mentorship opportunities, we can create an ecosystem that empowers more women to succeed.
Highlighting Local Stories: Women in Business in Wangaratta
Here in Wangaratta, we are fortunate to have a vibrant community of women-led businesses. From creative studios to retail stores, female entrepreneurs are making their mark. At Plum Digital Hub, we’ve had the privilege of working with inspiring women who are redefining success on their terms. One standout example is Rachel Plum, our very own founder, whose passion for supporting women in business drives everything we do. Her journey as an entrepreneur is a testament to the resilience and vision of female leaders.
How Plum Digital Hub Supports Women Entrepreneurs
At Plum Digital Hub, we’re dedicated to helping women in business thrive by offering tailored services designed to elevate their brands. From website design and social media management to our exciting new Canva classes, we provide tools and strategies to empower women entrepreneurs. Our programs focus on building digital confidence, enhancing online visibility, and creating engaging content that resonates with audiences.
This International Women’s Day, we’re launching a special campaign to spotlight local female entrepreneurs and share their stories. Keep an eye on our social media channels for inspiring posts and exclusive tips for women in business.
Getting Involved
Whether you’re a business owner or a supporter, there are many ways to champion women in business:
- Shop Local: Support women-led businesses in your community.
- Mentor and Advocate: Offer guidance to aspiring female entrepreneurs.
- Spread the Word: Share the successes of women entrepreneurs on your social platforms.
Together, we can create a future where women in business have equal opportunities to thrive. Let’s celebrate their achievements not just on International Women’s Day but every day.
References
Girltalk HQ. (2023). The rise and rise of the powerhouse woman in Australian small business. Retrieved from https://www.girltalkhq.com
Mums & Co. (2022). Interesting statistics related to women in business. Retrieved from https://www.mumsandco.com.au
Womens Agenda. (2023). How women are defying the odds to build successful businesses in Australia. Retrieved from https://www.womensagenda.com.au
Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA). (2023). Women in leadership. Retrieved from https://www.wgea.gov.au
