State funds to support women’s start-ups

BALLARAT Regional Multicultural Council’s women’s business incubator has received a funding boost from the State government of thirty-two thousand, five hundred dollars.

Based upstairs at the Ballarat Welcome Centre on Barkly Street, the space has been established to support, promote and educate enterprising women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, and those over 50 who are at risk of underemployment.

Textile brand, A TUK has already settled in as its business in residence, and BRMC executive officer, Ann Foley said more facilities are to come, with meeting, training, office, kitchen and display areas in progress.

“BRMC are really pleased to support this. We acknowledge that these businesswomen offer huge cultural capital, international business experience, they’re resilient and we’re optimistic about them as viable entrepreneurs,” she said.

Nyibol Deng is one of A TUK’s owner-operators. She said it has gone from strength to strength since she was involved with Stepping Stones, a business program providing entrepreneurial support to the Central Highlands and Grampians regions’ intercultural women.

Developing a business mindset within the educational experience, facilitated by BRMC, her brand found its new home at the Welcome Centre and is currently employing four or five women.

This week’s goal has been to sew hundreds of face masks to assist the city’s COVID safety, under the mentorship of two experienced seamstresses.

“The space is fantastic. It’s a dream come true to have a space like this which the community can use, and where we can do the things we love to do,” Ms Deng said.

“Without BRMC, it wouldn’t be possible to have a community space like this, I’d just do it at home.

“It’s amazing, and it’s come right on time, for us to be able to sew masks and support people in the community who are going to wear them in this town.”

Visiting A TUK recently, Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle loved the vibrant, patterned material sewers were working with.

“I’m looking forward to seeing these wonderful colours across Ballarat,” she said.

“Refugee, migrant and multicultural communities have so much to offer the region. Funding the fit-out of the women’s business incubator is a way that the Victorian government can help kick-start local businesses from these communities.

“The women’s incubator will be a vibrant hub where local businesses can grow and succeed. I would encourage anyone to go online and see what you can buy from these local entrepreneurs.”

Visit twilightmarket.brmc.org.au to explore the brands supported by BRMC.