Woman Founders
As a nation, we continue to make progress in terms of resources, a diverse choice of funding options, programmes, and networks designed to encourage and boost female entrepreneurship. Here are a few women-focused resources on our radar.
Connect with us to add more Women Founders support options to this list.
Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)
Designed for women with an entrepreneurial spirit to provide them with the skills, resources, and networks needed to start and scale successful businesses using the "DreamBuilder" programme. A partnership between The Pacific Business Hub + US Embassy (NZ)
AUT: Women in Tech
Encourages and supports women studying in STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics) through courses that help develop networking skills and succeed in their field of study
AWS Hāpori Wāhine CloudUp Program
A free 4-week, flexible virtual boot-camp style training programme for Kiwi women who have considered the tech industry as a career but are unsure what type of jobs exist or are keen to learn new skills to start, progress or pivot your career
Co.OfWomen
A membership based success support organisation developed and led by experienced, successful leaders to champion success. They focus on advancing the goals and aspirations of female entrepreneurs through one on one, peer or group formats
E&Y She Starts Out
A business mentoring programme aimed exclusively at social impact entrepreneurs who identify as LGBTQ women or non-binary people. She Starts Out creates a space for these diverse entrepreneurs to flourish and grow
EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ Asia-Pacific
An evergreen executive leadership programme designed for women with established businesses who are ready to scale operations and grow to become global market leaders
GirlBoss New Zealand
Founded with a single mission: To close the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths, and Leadership. GirlBoss programmes have been implemented in over 100 schools nationwide
Hire Her
A digital talent and jobs platform for women in New Zealand and Australia. Launched in 2021, Hire Her has nearly 1,000 female freelancers and contractors registered and it contributes $1 from every collaboration to non-profits supporting women
SheDares
The Dream Collective and Amazon Web Service (AWS) launched “SheDares” in New Zealand to help address IT skills shortage and encourage women to consider a career in tech. SheDares is a free, online, interactive learning programme
Startmate: The Women Fellowship
A two-month programme helping ambitious women find their dream job in a start-up. Includes weekly events, coaching and networking to build your confidence, translate your skills and find your best fit in a start-up
The Women’s Mentoring Programme AUT
The Business School matches women students with women working in business. Mentoring programmes can facilitate women’s career development, as well as provide them with insights and information into organisational cultures at senior management levels
UoA: Women in Entrepreneurship
University of Auckland Business School -based centre to foster women in entrepreneurship. The centre teaches women how to launch a business, read a balance sheet, know what venture capital is and how to access it.
Women Entrepreneurship Centre
A not-for-profit organisation based in Auckland. WEC provides awareness programmes, training, skills development, mentoring, business incubation, information sharing, networking and marketing assistance
Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Programme
WILD is a 6 month programme that tackles common barriers to career progression and sector retention faced by women employed in the STEM sector. Brought to you by KiwiNet and Brandon Capital Partners
Women On Boards
Women on Boards New Zealand represents women who want to continuously advance their governance careers. They support female directors through personal connections and sharing knowledge
Women4Climate
C40 in partnership with the city of Auckland will contribute to the emergence of the next generation of climate leaders by sharing knowledge and experience through an ambitious mentorship programme dedicated to women in C40 cities