Did you know 9 out of 10 businesses in Australia are Small Businesses and 38% of all Small Businesses across Australia are led by women?

Yet women tend to have to balance more responsibilities, such as being the main caretakers of their children, increased household expectations plus systemic barriers. When women support each other, incredible things happen. 

Here are 5 reasons why we should all support female-owned small businesses:

1. Empowering women in small businesses allows them to become financially independent. They may be fuelling a dream, wanting flexibility, but it gives them a choice that is powerful. This knowledge can be passed on to other women and their own children.

2. Small business owners tend to go above and beyond in their customer service, delivery and the product or service they are creating or providing. Women are often the face behind their brand and have a deep desire to exceed. This means that a customer now will generally get a higher, personalized service compared to that of the big department stores

3. Money tends to be reinvested into the small business community; whether it’s the local community or in the online world. It feels better knowing that the purchase will help a child attend a dance class rather than it being dug into a CEO’s pockets. 

4. Your gifts have meaning; whether they are personalized, or it’s handmade, or even sourced from a specific region; a businesswoman has wanted to create a unique shopping journey that is unrivalled by national chain stores.

5. Help turn a dream into reality. Businesses are built by ordinary people, just like you and I, who are often our friends, neighbour or friend’s cousins. Every purchase makes a businesswoman smile – how can you beat that?!

Every day women are leaving their mark in Australia and contributing to the positive future of small business. With our everyday choices, we can help sustain future female-led enterprises.

Over the years the lack of support and mentorship specifically for women in business became apparent so I founded Small Business Women Australia. It has become a one-stop shop of information, resources, advice and learning for female-owned and led small businesses. If you are a woman in business come along and join the Small Business Australia free community where we share the highs and lows of being a woman in business. Not spam. 

Amanda Rose is a pioneer for women in business in Australia. Amanda is one of the most influential people on LinkedIn, Amanda Rose (#BossLady) is quoted as an “internet-winning blogger” by TIME.com. Also The founder of 6 x businesses she is  Australia’s foremost strategic connector, workplace trainer, business consultant & keynote speaker. Amanda regularly contributes to the Daily Telegraph in her “Boss Lady” column, as well as to ABC The Drum, Huffington Post, Marie Claire, CEO Magazine, Sydney Morning Herald, Australian Financial Review and SkyBusiness.