TAFE NSW empowers women with the skills for small business success

Across New South Wales, TAFE NSW graduates are turning their skills into success, taking what they have learned from the classroom to grow thriving small businesses. This Small Business Month, TAFE NSW is celebrating the courage, grit and creativity of graduates who are creating small businesses. While only 34 per cent of NSW small business owners are women, more are taking the leap to their own business. Data from the Commonwealth Bank shows that Millennials and Gen Z business owners group accounts for more than 60% of new business accounts.

Small businesses make up 97 per cent of all enterprises and employ more than 5 million Australians. According to SME Business Insights, 28 per cent of small businesses plan to invest in training, showing how important skills are for improving productivity, building resilience, and supporting growth.

Despite her young age, eighteen-year-old horticulture business owner Siena Field, was inspired by a love of plants and the outdoors to undertake a bold career change. After completing her apprenticeship, Siena combined her skills and determination to start her own gardening business.



“I’ve always loved being outside and working with nature. After COVID, I wanted to create a job that brought me outdoors and gave me flexibility. My TAFE NSW teachers encouraged me to challenge myself and gave me extra confidence. I am proud to have grown my business since I started,” she said.

For fashion graduate Eidan Monks, studying at the Bachelor of Fashion Design TAFE NSW was a chance to turn her lifelong passion for design into a career with purpose. Her label, EIDAN CEILIDH, reflects her love of natural materials and the slow fashion movement.




“Through TAFE NSW, I had the chance to showcase my collection on a runway in front of industry leaders. It was an intense experience, but it gave me the confidence to launch my own label. Every piece I make is handcrafted, I’m grateful to have my teacher’s continued support,” Eidan said.

Migrant and single mum Perihan Salam credits her TAFE NSW Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business in giving her the skills to take her accounting expertise into her own company. Partnering with a fellow migrant and single mum also enabled her to show her 13-year-old son that through determination and support, it’s possible to build a better life.



“I’ve had a few setbacks, but I never gave up on my dream to start my own business. TAFE NSW helped me see myself not just as an employee, but as an entrepreneur. I want my son to see that no matter what challenges you face, it’s possible to build a better life through education and hard work,” Perihan said.

Kathy Hatzis, Business Teacher, TAFE NSW said, “TAFE NSW delivers job-ready skills and flexible study pathways that support people at every stage of their small business journey, whether they’re thinking about starting, building their business, or adapting to new market needs.”

“The right skills are the bridge between a good idea and a successful business. Studying at TAFE NSW, students gain real-world practical skills and industry connections to turn their ideas into real opportunities from learning a trade, how to market online or lead a growing team.”