EmpowerHER Program: Riverina & Murray regions

We recognise that your number one priority is running your enterprise and that you may have other time constraints. You and your designated coach will work towards your goals in fortnightly sessions. You will together determine the best times for you to connect. We will also be hosting fortnightly on-line learning modules with a time commitment of 3 hours. There will be 2 key in person multi-day workshops (September & October) which aim to deepen your learning and connection with peers and partners. 

Overall, each participant will receive around 45 hours of support over the 4-month program, through a combination of group learning (modules), 1:1 coaching and group reflection sessions. 

We recognise that establishing a business is not always smooth and easy. If your business has been operating actively for 2 years over a longer time period we will certainly consider your application. 

Please provide additional information about this in your EOI, or contact Sefa at empowerher@socialenterprisefinance.com to be advised.

We accept applications from solo founders as well as teams. However, the number of participants in the program is limited to 2 people per enterprise. 

This is a gendered program, aimed at supporting social enterprises that are delivering outcomes to women facing disadvantage. ​

Eligible enterprises need to demonstrate that they are supporting women through their programs, activities, products or services. ​

This can be through an intentional gender focus, or an 'accidental' gender outcome, where the majority of those impacted are women. ​

We will consider social enterprises that are planning to deliver women focused programs, products or services.​

This program supports organisations that are led by and/or impacting gender diverse and / or non-binary people. ​

Organisations that are female led will be prioritised.

Social enterprises are businesses that trade so they can tackle social problems. Social enterprises do the following three things:

• Have a defined social purpose 

• Derive a portion of income from trade; and 

• Invest efforts and resources into their purpose.  

The EmpowerHer program has been designed on the assumption that everyone will attend the learning modules (both online and face to face). This will ensure that individuals get a better learning experience and have the opportunity to learn directly from your peers. 

We recognise that unforeseen circumstances occur – please let us know in advance if something that means you may not be able to attend.  Some of the modules are dependant on previous modules. 

The Program is tailored to support women-focused social enterprises. However, social enterprises that support a broader cohort but have specific programs / activities that seek to have a positive impact on women, or have a cohort that is predominantly women, are encouraged to apply. If you're unsure whether your enterprise meets our eligibility criteria, please apply anyway as we will consider applications on a case-by-case basis. 

The Program is open to enterprises that have at minimum a business model and demonstrated initial traction in the market and are seeking to accelerate their development and path to impact. 

Participating enterprises will be provided with a course pack outlining the dates for the learning modules and events.  You'll schedule your fortnightly meeting with your coach at a time that suits you. 

The Program is completely FREE, due to the generous support of the NSW Office of Social Impact Investment.  Travel costs for the face-to-face sessions will need to be self-funded except in circumstances where extensive travel is undertaken by the participant - Sefa will assess funding for this travel on a case by case basis.