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EmpowerHER: Uplifting Women Changemakers

A NSW Government funded program delivered by Sefa

Across NSW, women-led social enterprises are creating powerful solutions to some of society’s toughest challenges – from domestic violence and trauma recovery, to youth unemployment and cultural sovereignty. Many of these enterprises are early-stage, focused on their local community and/or led by people with lived experience. They regularly experience deep and persistent barriers to accessing mainstream support systems and funding. 

The NSW Government engaged Sefa to design and deliver a capability-building program focused on women-led, First Nations, and regionally based social enterprises that are contributing to better outcomes for women experiencing disadvantage. The goal: build strong foundations for growth, support organisational investment readiness, unlock impact – and help shift structural barriers facing women entrepreneurs. 

The EmpowerHER Program

Sefa designed and delivered the EmpowerHer program across two streams: 

  • Early-stage capability building program: A six-month cohort-based program for 15 early-stage enterprises in the Northern Rivers and Riverina regions 

  • Established capability building program: Tailored 1:1 support for 10 established enterprises focused on strategic growth and investment readiness 

The program was designed with flexibility at its core – meeting each enterprise where they’re at, while ensuring all participants had access to practical tools, coaching and peer support. 

We focused on what matters most for founders: business clarity, confidence, community and connection. 

The program gave me the language of the social enterprise field that has significantly enhanced my capacity to advocate effectively – to customers, donors, funding providers, media and politicians.”
Early-stage participant

Early-stage support grounded in place

We established two regional hubs (Northern Rivers and Riverina), where 15 early-stage enterprises received: 

  • Three months of support through blended learning, including: 

  • online modules covering business model design, impact frameworks, financial foundations, and legal structures 

  • peer learning and reflection sessions, guest speakers and case studies 

  • intensive face-to-face workshops, delivered locally 

  • One-on-one tailored coaching from Sefa staff and trusted delivery partners 

The program was delivered in partnership with local changemakers – Byron Community College (Northern Rivers), Riverina Community College (Riverina), and Yarpa Hub (First Nations coaching and cultural safety). 

  • D’Vine Creations: producing biodegradable woven coffins from invasive vines 

  • Haus of Armour: using upcycled fashion to support survivors of domestic violence 

  • Big Picture Health: promoting wellbeing and leadership through sport and mentoring 

  • Bush Food Education: delivering Aboriginal-led health and culture programs through native foods 

  • Whole Picture Permaculture: building sustainable housing and enterprises for veterans and single mothers 

  • Embrace Care Solutions: offering culturally safe mental health care for CALD women with disabilities 

  • Fig Tree Farm Collective: Provides safe, stable and dignified housing to vulnerable women, creating pathways to independence and community connection. 

  • Sisters Are Doing It For Ourselves: reducing isolation of women and empowering them through outdoor wellbeing programs 

  • Mend and Make Do Crew: builds inclusion, dignity and resilience by creatively repurposing goods and redistributing resources to those most in need.   

  • Muddy Duck Tapas & Events: providing a vibrant community space that supports local employment, economic activity, and social connection, particularly for women facing disadvantage. 

  • Mojo Theatre Productions: enriching the lives of students with disabilities by making creativity and culture accessible to all through immersive, multi-sensory experiences enhancing cognitive, social, and communication skills. 

  • Kerri Weymouth Art Gallery and Studio: uses artistic expression and therapy to support mental health, social inclusion, and community engagement, particularly for women, elderly, First Nations people, and individuals with disabilities. 

  • Boas Language Academy: bringing language education to the NSW regional area around Albury, providing accessible language courses for all ages and supporting migrant women as teachers. 

  • Taster Property: creating a space of belonging where young people and the wider community can build skills, confidence, and social connections through intergenerational programs and shared resources. 

  • The Healing Studio: providing inclusive, trauma-informed counselling and therapy that supports mental health, relationships, and wellbeing for individuals and couples.

Most founders were sole operators juggling caregiving, trauma recovery, or limited access to funding. EmpowerHer helped them develop practical business models, clarify their purpose, test revenue options, and establish structures that support growth. 

Wagga Wagga intensive face-to-face workshop