Media release

International Women’s Day - celebrating women in business

08 March 2010

With women representing approximately 35 per cent of all people operating small businesses in Western Australia, International Women’s Day on March 8 is the ideal time to acknowledge the contribution made by women to the small business sector.

Acting Managing Director of the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC), Ms Jacky Finlayson, says the number of women starting new businesses is growing every day.

“Currently,more than 80 per cent of participants in our new BizStart workshops are women,and our Women in Business online network has over 1,300 members,” Ms Finlayson said.

According to Ms Finlayson, the motivation for women to go into business for themselves is varied.

“Some women build a home based business to accommodate the needs of family, while others leave the corporate world to fulfil the dream of being their own boss.

“Entrepreneurs such as Naomi Simson, who started a small online business from home but now employs 60 people with a revenue of $22.3 million, are ideal examples of how successful women can be when working for themselves,” Ms Finlayson said.

And age is no barrier for women wanting to make their mark in business.   SBDC Young Business Network member Louisa Wood started her business career at a very early age, running five businesses before she turned 18.

“Today, she is one of Western Australia's most successful young entrepreneurs - as the founder of Get Positive Productions and the brains behind the successful product My Diary,” Ms Finlayson said.

“In comparison, Sylvia Wilson started the “Bark Busters”franchise group when she was in her 40s and over the past 21 years has expanded the business to include 460 franchises around the world.”

Media contact: Di Graham (08) 9220 0218 or 0409 089 159.

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