Women founders take centre stage at NSW Parliament House
More than 80 guests gathered at NSW Parliament House for the NSW Female Founders Showcase, celebrating women entrepreneurs from I2N programs including the NSW Female Leadership and Innovation Program.
More than 80 guests from across government, industry, business and the startup community gathered at NSW Parliament House on Tuesday 22nd of September for the NSW Female Founders Showcase.
The evening celebrated women entrepreneurs who have taken part in our I2N programs, including our newest NSW Female Leadership and Innovation Program (NSW FLIP). It highlighted the growing impact of women-led innovation across the state and the role programs like FLIP play in helping founders turn ideas into businesses, jobs and economic opportunity.
The showcase was hosted by The Hon. Yasmin Catley MP, Minister for the Hunter. Guests also heard from The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, who spoke about the economic impact of innovation and the importance of backing the next generation of entrepreneurs across NSW.
In her opening speech, Minister Catley commended the NSW FLIP program.
“When we back women, we give them the confidence and support to back themselves and that’s what this event is about. Turning ambition into action,” Minister Catley said.
“Programs like FLIP are about giving women what they need to take their ideas further, build successful businesses and create new opportunities for communities.
“I’m extremely proud to see so many exceptional women backing themselves and taking action to not just turn those dreams into reality, but to help shape the future of innovation and entrepreneurship in NSW.”
Founders in the spotlight
Throughout the evening, founders showcased their products, ideas and ventures directly to attendees. A panel led by Siobhan Curran, Director Knowledge Exchange and Entrepreneurship at the University of Newcastle, featured founders Lisa Winn (iHydRATE), Kate Hines (Hey Surge) and Claire Jones (Cloud Grow). They spoke openly about the realities of building a business, from confidence and resilience to networking and growth.
“What struck me tonight wasn’t just what these women have built, it’s how much further they could go with the right backing behind them,” Ms Curran said.
“The response to FLIP has shown us there is a significant appetite for entrepreneurship among women across NSW. Over 200 women applied to participate in the program, leading us to expand the inaugural cohort from 44 to 62 participants. The talent is there, the ambition is there, and the next challenge is ensuring the support exists to help these founders succeed.”
Strong demand for Phase 2
That appetite has carried into the program’s next stage. Applications for Phase 2 have now closed with 114 received, and 24 teams have been accepted, including six additional places opened in response to demand.
About NSW FLIP
NSW FLIP is a free program helping women across NSW, with a strong focus on regional communities, develop and test innovative ideas. It is funded through the NSW Government’s Diversity Pre-Accelerator Program with philanthropic co-funding from the MacDougall Foundation, and delivered by I2N at the University of Newcastle with the University of New England and Charles Sturt University.
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