Female entrepreneurs in Australia are launching businesses at unprecedented rates and are reforming the national economy. Enterprising women now hold a strong and growing share of business ownership, and they run ventures across various industries.
This growth expands opportunities and helps support women entrepreneurs across industries. It also helps with job creation and strengthens a more diverse and dynamic business environment across the country.
Here at Australian Business Magazine, we share practical insights, real founder stories, and up-to-date business guidance to help Aussies get started the right way. We’re focused on keeping things clear, relevant, and genuinely useful.
In this article, we’ll cover the leading female entrepreneurs in Australia and the latest statistics. You’ll also learn about common challenges, funding options, and the exact steps to launch your entrepreneurial career.
Ready? Let’s begin.
Who Are the Leading Female Entrepreneurs in Australia Today?
Australia’s leading female entrepreneurs include founders of billion-dollar companies across tech, retail, fitness, and mining. Names like Melanie Perkins, Gina Rinehart, and Janine Allis have become household names in their respective industries. Their stories offer lessons for anyone looking to start something of their own.
We’ll take a closer look at how these successful entrepreneurs begin their careers and how they’re doing.
Melanie Perkins: Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Canva
Melanie Perkins built Canva into a global design software company now worth billions. She started as a young girl with an interest in design, before later teaching students in Perth and noticed how frustrating existing tools were.
That frustration sparked an idea, and with Cliff Obrecht, she built one of the world’s most valuable startups from a simple design concept. Perkins spent years pitching investors before landing her first funding (she had to grow into being a leader along the way).
Canva currently serves over 260 million users around the world, with Melanie Perkins recognised as one of Australia’s most successful female entrepreneurs.
Janine Allis: Founder of Boost Juice
What happens when a mum with no retail experience spots a gap in the market? Janine Allis’ story gives us the answer. She founded Boost Juice in 2000 with zero retail experience. She noticed the lack of healthy fast food options in Australia after a trip to the US. The first store opened in Adelaide, and the franchise grew rapidly.
Boost now operates hundreds of stores across Australia and internationally. Allis proves that hard work and persistence beat formal qualifications every time.
Gina Rinehart: Executive Chairman of Hancock Prospecting
Gina Rinehart serves as executive chairman of one of Australia’s largest mining empires. When she took over Hancock Prospecting in 1992, the company was in serious financial trouble. She rebuilt it into a multi-billion-dollar operation through strategic investments in iron ore and other resources.
This story shows what rebuilding a struggling company can achieve in the hands of a determined leader. Now Ms Rinehart consistently ranks among Australia’s wealthiest business leaders and remains a powerful figure in the mining sector.
Naomi Simson: Founder of RedBalloon
Naomi Simson started with a $25,000 investment from her living room, and it changed everything. She launched RedBalloon in 2001 and built an experience-gifting platform that has served millions of customers over the years.
The business took two months to make its first sale (a $9 commission), but she stuck with it.
Today, RedBalloon is part of Big Red Group, and Simson shares advice and inspiration through speaking engagements and TV appearances, including Shark Tank Australia.
Kayla Itsines: Co-founder of Sweat App
Did you know that Kayla Itsines built her fitness empire by training clients in her parents’ backyard? She then packaged her workouts into PDF guides that went viral online. Her app, Sweat, is now used by millions worldwide.
The business sold for a reported $400 million in 2021 before Kayla bought it back in 2023. She continues to inspire young women to pursue health and entrepreneurship together.
Jane Lu: Founder of Showpo
Jane Lu started Showpo from her parents’ garage after her first business failed. She was $60,000 in debt and pretending to her parents that she still had a corporate job. The online fashion brand grew quickly through smart social media marketing.
Showpo now generates over $100 million in annual revenue and ships to more than 120 countries. Her story motivates aspiring female entrepreneurs who face early setbacks.
Jo Horgan: Founder of Mecca Cosmetics
Jo Horgan founded Mecca in 1997 after spotting a gap in the market (much like Janine Allis). She wanted to offer independent beauty advice across multiple brands rather than just push products from one counter. Ms Horgan opened the first Mecca store in South Yarra, Melbourne, which lost money for four years before turning profitable.
Mecca operates over 100 stores and has built a cult-favourite brand with loyal clients across Australia. Horgan also champions other women through mentorship and industry support programmes.
Lorna Jane Clarkson: Founder of Lorna Jane
Who hasn’t heard of Lorna Jane in Australia? But not many people know the story of its founding. Lorna Jane Clarkson couldn’t find stylish activewear, so she started sewing her own designs. She was working as a fitness instructor in Brisbane at the time.
Jane’s students loved what she wore and started requesting custom pieces, which led to the first Lorna Jane store in 1990.
The brand now operates over 100 stores globally. Meanwhile, Ms Jane Clarkson remains a leading voice in women’s fitness and entrepreneurship.
Key Statistics on Women-Owned Businesses in Australia
Women own approximately 35% of all businesses in Australia today, and the number has climbed steadily over the past two decades. This upward trend reflects a broader shift towards greater female participation and leadership in the business space.
Here’s a quick view of where things stand right now:
- Total Businesses Owned by Women: As mentioned, around 35% of Australian businesses are owned or operated by women. This share has grown steadily over the past two decades as more women start and lead businesses.
- Share of Female-Led Startups: Women are involved in roughly 27% of startup deals in Australia. However, all-female founding teams received just 2% of total venture capital funding in 2024.
- Economic Contribution: Women-owned businesses contribute billions to Australia’s GDP each year. Research suggests closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship could add up to $135 billion to the economy.
- Employment Contribution: According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), small businesses employ around 40% of Australia’s workforce. With women running more than a third of these businesses, female entrepreneurs are responsible for millions of jobs across the country.
These figures suggest a transition that’s already underway across the broader Australian economy.
What Is the Current State of Female Entrepreneurship in Australia?
Female entrepreneurship in Australia is growing steadily, with more women launching and scaling businesses than ever before. Over the past two decades, the number of women running their own businesses has jumped by more than 46%. Women across the country are building companies on their own terms, and the momentum keeps building.
Let’s get into more detail about the current state of Australian female entrepreneurs.
Growth of Women-Owned Businesses
Government data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) confirms that more women are registering small businesses each year. The reasons include a desire for flexibility, dissatisfaction with traditional employment, and better access to online tools.
And it’s not just happening in Sydney or Melbourne. Regional areas across Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia are seeing strong growth, too.
Key Trends in Women-Led Businesses
What are women entrepreneurs actually building right now? For one, service-based businesses are popular among them. We’re talking about marketing agencies, coaching practices, and virtual assistants. These models suit founders who want low startup costs and location flexibility.
But more female founders are also moving into tech. Software platforms and SaaS products founded by women are popping up across the country.
Plus, flexible work models play a big role here. That’s why many career women are building businesses around family responsibilities rather than working around rigid job structures.
Sustainability is also gaining traction among female Australian entrepreneurs, with eco-friendly fashion labels and zero-waste skincare brands building loyal followings. This way, many female-led businesses are creating companies that align closely with their values.
Trend insight: Hybrid business models that mix services, content, and products are becoming more common and more profitable.
Role of Digital Platforms
Technology has changed how women launch and grow businesses. In particular, online platforms have lowered the barriers for women entrepreneurs to launch quickly.
For instance, platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and Squarespace let founders set up their shop in a weekend. That means you don’t need a shopfront or big upfront investment for your business (it’s a good way to learn business without jumping in too deep).
Social media is another game-changer because female entrepreneurs can build audiences without spending a fortune on advertising. Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn help founders connect directly with customers and grow organically.
E-commerce tools now let founders sell to customers worldwide from day one, so a candle maker in Adelaide can easily ship their product to London. That’s how even small businesses can compete on a global scale from the outset.
Which Industries Are Women Entrepreneurs Doing Well In?
Women are doing well in industries like health, online businesses, education, and creative work. These areas often rely on skills like communication, creativity, and building relationships with customers, and many women tend to develop them strongly due to social and cultural factors.
Below are key sectors where women are making a strong impact:
- Health and Wellness: As per an analysis by Reckon, women own 64.4% of businesses in the health care and social assistance sector in Australia. Specifically, fitness studios, mental health practices, nutrition coaching, and allied health services are popular choices for female founders.
- Education and Coaching: According to the same study, women own 62.5% of businesses in the education and training sector. These areas include online courses, tutoring, business coaching, and professional development, all of which are growing quickly.
- E-commerce and Retail: One of the great things about online shopping is that it’s made it easier for women to start product-based businesses with lower upfront costs. In turn, many women are building successful brands in areas like fashion, homewares, skincare, and handmade goods.
- Technology and Startups: Women make up around a quarter of startup founders in Australia. While still under-represented, more female founders are building software platforms, apps, and SaaS products each year.
- Creative and Media: Women often lead businesses like marketing agencies, graphic design studios, content creation, and photography. These fields value creativity and strong client relationships, which many female founders are especially good at.
As more women enter these spaces, they’re also helping redefine industry standards and expectations.
What Support, Funding, and Resources Are Available for Women in Business?
Support for women in business comes in many forms, like government grants, networks, angel investors, and crowdfunding. As there are plenty of resources available to help you start and grow, you don’t have to build a business on your own.
To get a better sense of what’s available, we’ll go through the main options.
Government Grants and Programs
The Australian Government supports women through initiatives like the Working for Women Program (formerly the Australian Government’s women’s leadership and development program). It funds organisations delivering programs focused on leadership, skills, and economic participation.
There’s also the Future Female Entrepreneurs Program (FFEP) that helps young women build business skills before they launch. This program covers areas like idea development, planning, and pitching, while also building confidence alongside practical skills.
State programs play a role, too. For example, Queensland’s Backing Female Founders Program offers funding and support. Other states like Victoria and New South Wales also run similar initiatives for women in business.
Business Networks and Communities
Have you heard of Business Chicks? It connects women across Australia through events, workshops, and online resources and has grown into one of the most well-known networks of its kind.
Now, a benefit of networking events is that they help you find mentors and collaborators. Like, a single conversation at the right event can lead to partnerships, referrals, or investment opportunities. These connections often prove more valuable than any course or program.
Then there are online community groups that provide support for remote and regional founders. In particular, Facebook groups, Slack channels, and LinkedIn communities allow you to share advice and troubleshoot problems. You can also cheer each other on regardless of location.
Funding Options and Investment Sources
Angel investors (early investors who support startups with funding and advice) increasingly focus on backing female founders specifically. For instance, groups like Scale Investors and Sydney Angels actively seek out women-led startups with high growth potential.
Getting in front of these investors requires preparation, but the capital and mentorship they offer can be game-changing.
At the same time, grants reduce the barrier to securing funding for early-stage ventures. Unlike loans, you don’t pay them back, so founders can invest in growth without adding debt to the balance sheet.
You can also look at crowdfunding platforms. They give you access to capital without relying on traditional loans, and in some cases, without giving up equity. Platforms like Pozible and ReadyFundGo let Australian businesses raise money directly from supporters. It’s a solid option for product-based businesses with engaged audiences.
Execution tip: Align your business milestones with funding cycles so you’re pitching when your progress looks strongest.
What Challenges Do Women Entrepreneurs Face Today?
Women entrepreneurs face challenges, including limited funding access, gender bias, and balancing work with family responsibilities. These barriers don’t stop women from starting businesses, but unfortunately, they do make their path harder than it needs to be.
The main issues tend to fall into these areas:
- Limited Funding Access: We mentioned earlier that all-female founding teams received just 2% of venture capital funding in Australia in 2024. It’s because banks and investors often apply stricter criteria to women-led businesses, which makes it tougher to secure the capital needed to grow.
- Gender Bias: Outdated assumptions about women in business still exist. That’s why some investors and clients question competence in ways they wouldn’t with male founders. These biases become visible in pitch meetings, contract negotiations, and everyday interactions.
- Work-Life Balance: Many women juggle business ownership with caregiving responsibilities. Since a large majority of female business operators in Australia are mothers, finding time for both can feel like running two full-time jobs at once.
- Limited Networks: Business networks have historically been built by and for men. Women often have fewer connections to investors, mentors, and potential partners, so it takes extra effort to break into these circles.
- Lack of Mentorship: When you have someone who understands the specific challenges women face, you can handle your challenges better in your early years. But sadly, there aren’t enough successful female entrepreneurs available to guide newcomers.
- Confidence Gap: According to PsyPost, women often underestimate their abilities compared to men with similar qualifications. This self-doubt holds many capable women back from starting or scaling their businesses.
These factors affect both women’s entry into entrepreneurship and their long-term growth.
What Makes Women-Led Businesses Successful?
Women-led businesses usually succeed by building strong personal brands, focusing on niche markets, and adopting digital-first models. We’ve noticed these approaches come up again and again in successful female-founded businesses across Australia.
Here’s how these factors play out in practice:
- Strong Personal Branding: Many female entrepreneurs build businesses around their own story and expertise, which helps customers connect with the person behind the brand. Competitors struggle to replicate this loyalty. For example, Kayla Itsines and Zoe Foster Blake use their personal brands to drive sales.
- Niche Market Focus: Successful women-led businesses often solve specific problems for targeted audiences. Like, rather than trying to serve everyone, they go deep on a particular need. This focus makes marketing easier and builds a reputation as the go-to expert in that space.
- Digital-First Business Models: Online tools help founders reach customers without the cost of physical stores. Since this approach keeps costs low through e-commerce, social media, and digital products, many female entrepreneurs start their business online before expanding into retail or other channels.
Put simply, these strategies strengthen how you attract and retain customers. They also make it easier for you to grow steadily over time.
How Can Women Start a Business in Australia?
Women can start a business in Australia by registering a business name, applying for an Australian Business Number (ABN), and choosing a legal structure. In most cases, these steps are simple, so many founders complete them within a single afternoon.
Let’s go through the process of starting a business.
Business Registration Steps
You can complete your business registration process online. In our experience, it shouldn’t take more than an hour to complete all the steps (setting up a business bank account usually takes longer, though).
Follow the quick checklist below to set up your business:
- Choose Your Business Name: You should pick something memorable that reflects what you do. Don’t forget to check availability before getting attached to that name.
- Register with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC): Lodge your business name registration online. It costs $45 for one year or $104 for three years.
- Apply For An ABN: Visit the Australian Business Register website and have your details ready. The application is free and is often processed within minutes.
- Open A Business Bank Account: Most banks offer business accounts for small businesses. We recommend comparing their fees before you choose one.
- Set Up Accounting Software: Tools like Xero or MYOB help you manage invoicing and tax more easily, and many of them offer free trials so you can try them first.
After handling the setup, you’ll need to decide how you want to run your business legally.
Business Structure Options
Are you wondering which business structure suits you among sole traders, partnerships, or companies? A sole trader is the simplest option and works well for freelancers, consultants, and service providers. You report business income on your personal tax return and keep full control over decisions.
Meanwhile, a partnership suits two or more people going into business together. You’ll need a partnership agreement that spells out profit splits, responsibilities, and what happens if someone wants out (you’ll want everything in writing, even if you trust each other).
A company (Pty Ltd) creates a separate legal entity. This structure protects your personal assets if things go wrong, but it comes with more paperwork and higher setup costs.
We’ve found that most female entrepreneurs start as sole traders and restructure later as they grow.
Legal and Compliance Requirements
Once you’ve registered your business, you still need to tick a few legal boxes. Here they are:
- Check Industry Licences: Some businesses need specific permits to operate legally. For instance, food businesses, trades, and childcare services all have their own requirements. Check what applies in your state or territory.
- Register for Goods and Services Tax (GST): If you earn over $75,000 a year, you must register for GST. And after you register, you’ll charge 10% on your sales and submit Business Activity Statements either quarterly or monthly.
- Understand PAYG Withholding: Hiring staff and managing human resources means withholding tax from their wages. You’ll also need to pay superannuation contributions on top of their salaries.
- Follow Fair Work Rules: Fair Work Australia sets the pay rules, leave, and working conditions, so following them helps protect both you and your team.
- Get Business Insurance: Public liability and professional indemnity insurance protect you if something goes wrong. In some industries, you’re also required to have specific types of cover.
Pro tip: Speak to an accountant early to set up your structure and tax obligations correctly from the start.
Make Your Mark as a Female Entrepreneur
Women across Australia are continuing to grow, revolutionising industries, and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Today, you have more access to support, funding, and resources to get started.
There are clear examples of what this can look like. Melanie Perkins began with a simple idea in Perth and grew it into a global company. Similarly, Janine Allis launched Boost Juice without any retail experience. Jane Lu, on the other hand, started Showpo from her parents’ garage after an early failure.
If you’re ready to join the growing community of female entrepreneurs in Australia,we have more guides to help you get started. Back your ambition and take the steps needed to achieve success with your start-up.
