Small Business Secrets: Aug 28

Today on Small Business Secrets, hosted by Ricardo Goncalves, the show focuses on the challenges women face starting small businesses in male-dominated fields.

Guests include:
Mia Freedman – Co-Founder, Mamamia’s Women’s Network
Roula Angelopoulos – Taxi Fleet
Ally Watson – Co-Founder, Code Like a Girl
Marcellina Mardian – Co-Founder, Code Like a Girl
Kym Clark – She’s Empowered
Penny Petridis – Founder, Female Tradie

Mia Freedman founded the Mamamia’s Women’s Network from her living room. It now has an online audience of more than 800,000. From a forum for mothers to share their experiences, to a company with over 100 employees and 1000 contributors, Mia has shaken up the traditional 9-5 work day. Mia said: “Women will accept lower pay for greater flexibility, so when you work for yourself, you don’t have to ask permission”

It’s no secret that women earn less than men. On average, female tradies earn $200 less a week than their male counterparts. When she first started in the industry 20 years ago Penny Petridis, founder of Female Tradies, was an oddity, working in the male-dominated construction industry. Now, 17% of all commencing traineeships and apprenticeships are women. With aspirations of growing her team of five to a troop big enough to build an entire house, her goal is to create an environment where women are willing to “have a go” and travel off the beaten track.

Kim Clark, owner of She’s Empowered, saw a gap in the market for HiViz (high visibility) maternity wear. She’s now created a line of female HiViz and work wear named after female game changers. Using her business as a platform to empower women, Kim is working towards “creating an inclusive culture and making women feel like they belong in that industry where they haven’t always been in big numbers.”

Female small business owners have grown by 4.7% in the last year. They account for 60% of all part time businesses and almost half of all home based businesses. This episode shows how everyday women are making waves in a changing world.

Sundays at 5.00pm on SBS.