Third of Australian small businesses run by women

The contribution of small businesses run by women is crucial to Australia's economy, Michaelia Cash, Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education, said on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

"International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the significant contribution women make to the small business sector," Ms Cash said.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that over the past two decades, the number of female-run small businesses has grown by 46 per cent – a growth rate almost double that of men starting their own business over the same period of time.

"In my role as Minister for Small and Family Business, I have had fantastic opportunities to meet many of these women running successful small businesses, and they all have great stories to tell," Ms Cash noted.

"The success of women in small business is evidence of the resourcefulness of everyday Australian women who, through hard work, ingenuity, entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to innovation, help make our economy the envy of the world," she concluded.

IPA calls for balance 

The Institute of Public Accountants held an International Women's Day Breakfast Panel in Sydney on Friday.

It featured industry experts including Kathryn Dixon, national relationship manager, Shadforth; Vicki Stylianou, IPA executive general manager advocacy and technical; BDO partner Shirley Schaefer; and Natasha Janssens, founder Women with Cents.

The panel discussed topics including encouraging more women into leadership roles, fostering a more gender inclusive workplace and why diversity matters for social progress and business.