A new network providing connection and support could be a 'game-changer' for female business founders in Ballarat.
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Ballarat business woman Nicole Ashby, founder of High Profit Media, is hosting a lunch for female business founders, owners, and entrepreneurs as an ambassador for national organisation Behind The Brands.
Ms Ashby said women faced many challenges in business, particularly as most women were the primary carer for their children.
"It makes such a difference when you connect with other women in the exact same situation as you, because it takes courage, a lot of determination and will to start a business and to stay in business, particularly when you have kids," she said.
"We get each other, we know exactly what it is like. It is important to have something like this in Ballarat that is just for female founders."
Belinda Eden, founder of Ballarat business Troop Employment, and Sam Davies, founder of Platypus Coworking will join Ms Ashby and around 30 other women at the Female Founders Lunch next week.
The research shows equality in the workplace and pay won't come around for another 99 years. For me this is why it is important we have this community.
- Nicole Ashby, High Profit Media
"Every day is a challenge when it comes to any business, particularly for me being new, being a little bit different and questioning different areas of other people's business," Ms Eden said.
"It is great to have someone to contact who is or has been in the same position as you," Ms Davies said.
Ms Ashby said having a network of like-minded people could be a real 'game-changer', providing confidence and understanding you are not alone.
"There is this instant understanding. We get each other. We know exactly what it is like," Ms Ashby said.
"We know some of the unique pressures we are up against. I think it makes it easier when we have other like minded women in business we know we can connect with and create community.
"The research shows equality in the workplace and pay won't come around for another 99 years. For me this is why it is important we have this community.
"It is important to let other women know that we are here, we have got your back and we are here to support each other."
The Female Founders Lunch will be held at The Provincial Hotel on March 19 from 12pm to 2 pm.
Tickets can be purchased online at behindthebrands.com.au/events/founders-lunch-ballarat/.
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