Media Release – Nationwide First: NSW Government backs Australia's first coordinated procurement initiative for women-owned businesses
Entrepreneurial & Small Business Women Australia (ESBWA) has announced the launch of the Women-Owned Business NSW Initiative, supported by the NSW Government, marking the first time in Australia's history that a dedicated, coordinated mechanism has been established to connect women-owned businesses into government and corporate procurement pipelines.
The initiative was announced at the Western Sydney Innovation Connect: Women x Industry Summit on March 3rd as part of International Women's Day and NSW Women's Week. NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison delivered a video message at the event outlining the Government's support.
The NSW Government has invested over $190,000 to support ESBWA in developing the Women-Owned Business Australia Supplier Network, which will match women-owned enterprises with commercial buyers and NSW Government tenders under $3 million. The goal is to see 3,000 women-owned businesses registered within three years.
Closing the procurement gap
Despite women-owned businesses representing approximately 34% of NSW small business owners, women-owned enterprises globally receive just 1% of government contracts and large-business supplier spending. Until now, no dedicated advocacy body in Australia has focused specifically on women-owned businesses within procurement and economic policy.
The Women-Owned Business NSW Initiative addresses this directly through four key pillars:
Women-Owned Supplier Database: Australia's first comprehensive database dedicated to women-owned businesses of all sizes, connecting them with buyers actively seeking diverse suppliers. Registration is free and takes approximately 15 minutes.
Free Procurement Readiness Workshops: In-person across NSW and online, covering key sectors including construction, AI, technology, hospitality and professional services. Featuring expert guest speakers and practical strategies for navigating procurement pathways.
Women-Owned Business Summit 2027: A future-focused national event centred on funding, innovation and long-term growth for women in business.
Women-Owned Business Certification (Coming Soon): A nationally recognised credential to strengthen the credibility of women-owned businesses in formal procurement processes.
Learn more: https://www.esbwa.com.au/nsw
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:
“The Minns Government is working hard to empower women to dream big, start up and run their own businesses. Many women have fantastic business ideas, and just need a bit of a boost to turn them into something more.
“This new hub is a great way to connect women-owned and led businesses with NSW government tenders, so that we can use our buying power to really boost women’s opportunity.
“It’s not only good for women, but also great for our economy by increasing the diversity of suppliers.”
Minister for Small Business Janelle Saffin said:
“Small businesses are the engine room of the NSW economy, but for too long, many talented women entrepreneurs have been operating under the radar.
“By investing in this database, we are shining a light on women-led enterprises and ensuring they are front and centre when it comes to major contracts and tenders.
“This initiative will open new doors for thousands of women in business – giving them the visibility, connections and confidence they need to grow and compete.”
Founder and CEO EBSWA Amanda Rose said:
“ESBWA is funded through a range of sources across government, corporate and project-based partnerships. Women Owned Business operates as a dedicated brand of ESBWA and the NSW Government is currently supporting the Women Owned Business project in New South Wales.
“The core goal of ESBWA is to represent and advocate for women in business and entrepreneurship across Australia, ensuring women are visible, influential and economically powerful within policy, industry and enterprise.
“This is not just an announcement, it is the establishment of infrastructure. For the first time in Australia, there is a coordinated mechanism to identify, verify, prepare and actively connect women-owned enterprises into procurement supply chains.”
About ESBWA
Entrepreneurial & Small Business Women Australia (ESBWA) is a national advocacy body representing women in business and entrepreneurship across Australia. ESBWA's core mission is to ensure women are visible, influential and economically powerful within policy, industry and enterprise. Women Owned Business Australia operates as a dedicated brand of ESBWA.
Media enquiries
The NSW Government's ministerial media release is available at: www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/boosting-opportunities-for-women-owned-businesses-nsw