Go Global: Australian women urged to expand their businesses

In the lead up to International Women’s Day 2010 on 8th March, Austrade is holding its ‘Women in Global Business’ seminars in capital cities around the country. The seminars encourage women to make connections and build strong, sustainable international businesses.

According to Austrade’s Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner for Singapore, Kirsten Sayers, creating a network for your business is key to its success.

“The importance of building a strong and useful network for international business cannot be underestimated; for many women, these seminars represent a first step in their construction of that network. By sharing success stories, advice and insights, women are encouraged to take their business success to the next level,” she said.

“ABS figures reveal over the past 10 years, the number of women running their own business has increased by nearly 20 per cent, compared to a 6 per cent increase for men. Research has also shown that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) run by women are generally less likely to export than SMEs run by men; so this presents an opportunity to grow Australia’s international business links by encouraging more women to think global.”

Kirsten Sayers will be one of 3 expert speakers at this year’s Women in Global Business seminars. Last year, Kirsten led the Australian delegation to the APEC Womens Leaders’ Network Meeting. She has previously held diplomatic and commercial appointments in Paris, Bangkok and Taipei, and senior positions in the private and public sectors in Australia.

Also speaking at the seminars will be Liu Bing, Trade Commissioner of Austrade Guangzhou, China and Ines Fernandini, Senior Business Development Manager of Austrade Lima.

Last year, more than 700 participants from business, government and industry benefited from the Women in Global Business seminars.

The sessions aim to ensure attendees are aware of the full range of Austrade services and the program complements the range of assistance and support networks provided by business and industry, and state and federal government bodies.

The seminar series runs from 1-11 March and will travel to Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide and Perth.

The series is run in partnership with Westpac and as part of Austrade’s Women in Global Business Initiative. For further information, visit: www.austrade.gov.au/WIGBseminars

Source: Austrade