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- Support People Seeking Asylum
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Stepping Stones to Small Business
Our micro-enterprise program offers mentoring, training and support to women from refugee, migrant and asylum seeker backgrounds. We help them develop new skills and increase their participation in business and community.
Upcoming programs
In 2019, eligible women from rural and regional Victoria can do programs in Flemington, Dandenong, Wyndham and Ballarat, with travel and/or accommodation costs reimbursed for women from regional areas. Stepping Stones is offering support statewide so get in touch and find what is available near you.
Sign up now.
Flemington
When: Starts Tuesday 5 March
Where:
Flemington Community Centre, 25 Mt Alexander Rd, Flemington
Dandenong
When: Starts Friday 8 March
Where:
Dandenong Council Offices, 225 Lonsdale St, Dandenong (off Harmony Square)
Places are limited so don't miss out!
Ballarat and Wyndham will run later in 2019.
Stepping Stones to Small Business aims to educate migrant and refugee women about money, and build women's understanding of how to start a small business in Australia. It also aims to teach business and government leaders about how micro-businesses help refugee and migrant women, and why communities need more of these small businesses.
A series of small business seminars are also open to all refugees and migrants (men and women) who are interested in starting a small business. These seminars explore the topics of finance, marketing and small business regulations.
Thinking of starting a small business?
Stepping Stones is accepting applications now.
Women are eligible for Stepping Stones to Small Business if they:
- arrived in Australia as refugees, migrants or asylum seekers
- are over 50 and/or from rural and regional Victoria
- have a basic level of English
- have a business idea.
What our participants say
Yoko Nakazawa
“Everyone is so friendly. I’m learning so much. Now I completed my business plan…I feel so confident.”
Asha Acuoth
“The biggest thing that I’ve learned is actually cash flow plans… I think after finishing this course I’d be happy to start my own business.”
Facebook feedback
"Many thanks to Stepping Stones for your continuous support to all the women around Victoria."
- Sandra Bya-amissi
"We are what we are because of Stepping Stones. I will encourage women to take part in this program. You will never be the same. I am today my own boss."
- Sikujua Kayange
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s Women in Focus Program
We acknowledge the enormous contributions made by our many volunteer mentors.
With contributions from these councils:
REPORTS
Being around other women makes you brave: evaluation of Stepping Stones, a micro-business program for women from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Download report » 50 pages (PDF file, 1.2 MB).
Stepping up and over: interim evaluation of Stepping Stones a micro-enterprise program for refugee and migrant women. Download report » 14 pages (PDF file, 438 KB).
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s Women in Focus Program
We acknowledge the enormous contributions made by our many volunteer mentors.
With contributions from these councils:
REPORTS
Being around other women makes you brave: evaluation of Stepping Stones, a micro-business program for women from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Download report » 50 pages (PDF file, 1.2 MB).
Stepping up and over: interim evaluation of Stepping Stones a micro-enterprise program for refugee and migrant women. Download report » 14 pages (PDF file, 438 KB).
Contact us
Stepping Stones to Small Business
Epping Community Services Hub
713 High Street, Epping, Victoria 3076
Phone: (03) 9422 5650
Email: mct(at)bsl.org.au
