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The Women Veterans Australia Phoenix Entrepreneur Program supports women veterans in overcoming barriers to business ownership through tailored training, mentorship, and financial guidance. This program is designed to empower women veterans residing in NSW with agency, financial independence, and purpose following their military transition.

Women Veterans Australia (WVA) is excited to have engaged Entrepreneurial & Small Business Women Australia (ESBWA) in the delivery of this groundbreaking new initiative. If you would like more information about ESBWA, you can visit their website.

 

 

Have a business idea or ready to take your business to the next level? 

Unlock your entrepreneurial potential with this exclusive, expert-led business program designed to help you launch, grow, and thrive in small business. Enjoy high-impact training, personalised mentoring, and practical resources to support small business growth — all completely free to successful applicants, thanks to funding from the NSW Government.

 

Why Apply?

At Women Veterans Australia, we understand that the path to business ownership can present unique challenges for women who’ve served. That’s why we created the Phoenix Entrepreneur Program — a dynamic, women-focused initiative designed to empower you with the tools, training, and peer support needed to thrive.

Whether you're launching a new venture or growing an existing business, this program will help you harness the leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking you’ve already honed through your military service — and turn them into entrepreneurial success.

Build on Your Strengths

Your military experience gives you a unique perspective and a powerful foundation for business. This program helps you translate your skills into action with tailored guidance, practical tools, dedicated mentoring and interactive workshops.

Expand Your Network

Strong networks help women break barriers and lift each other up. This program creates a space for meaningful connections, shared learning, and collective growth and a community of women veterans who understand your journey.

Redefine Your Future

This program equips you to build and grow your business, empowering you to redefine your future as an entrepreneur and changemaker in your family, community, and industry.

Three Inline Divs

Key Information

  • The Launch Event will be held in February 2026.
  • The 8-Week Accelerator Program will be held during March, April and May 2026.
  • Online sessions will be available for regional participants who cannot travel to in-person sessions in the Sydney area.

Who Can Join?

This program is open to women living in NSW who are permanent, reserve or ex-serving members of the ADF who:

  • Have a business idea and want to get started
  • Are in the early stages of launching a business
  • Want to scale or strengthen their existing small business
  • Are looking for a supportive community of like-minded women veterans

Apply for the Program

How It Works

Three Inline Divs

Step 1: Launch Event

Start with an energising one-day event designed to help you refine your idea, set clear goals, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs. The launch event will be held in person in Sydney and online.

Step 2: Application Selection

After the launch, 30 participants will be selected through an application process to join the 8-Week Accelerator Program.

Step 3: 8-Week Accelerator Program

Participate in hands-on workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and group mentoring sessions. Build a focused business growth plan, explore funding opportunities, and gain the confidence to grow.

Apply for the Program

Launch Event

Learn how to assess the viability of your business idea, with insights from successful entrepreneurs and industry experts on market demand, financial feasibility and strategic planning. You’ll also hear about the 8-Week Accelerator Program and whether it’s the right next step for you, while connecting with a community of women veterans. Held in February 2026, in-person in Sydney and online. This event and the program is for women veterans residing in NSW only.
Join our community to receive updates about the Launch Event

8-Week Accelerator Program

Delivered by business experts Entrepreneurial & Small Business Women Australia, this 8-week program will equip you with the tools, mentoring, and confidence to grow a successful business. 

Available both in-person and online, this free program is open to women veterans across NSW.

Three Inline Divs

Mentoring & Advisory

Tailored one-on-one and group support

  • Personalised mentoring with experienced businesswomen
  • Group mentoring from ESBWA and WVA
  • Supportive peer community of women veterans

Finance & Funding Support

Helping you access the capital to grow

  • Guidance on creating investment-ready business plans
  • Help developing financial projections and grant applications
  • Networking introductions to investors and funding bodies

Education & Networking

Practical learning and meaningful connections

  • Online modules and in-person workshops (live-streamed for regional participants)
  • Case studies, guest speakers, and interactive learning
  • Covering key business areas including business planning, branding, financial management, revenue models, legal compliance and scaling strategies

Topics Covered

Ideation & Innovation

Shape your business idea and identify your ideal customer

Branding & Connection

Develop your personal and business brand, and build meaningful networks

Customer UX & Competitor Analysis

Understand your customers and what sets you apart

Revenue Models & Finances

Learn to manage finances, design revenue streams, and build a startup budget

MVP & Prototyping

Build your Minimum Viable Product and assess your readiness to launch

Sales, Legal & Funding

Explore sales strategies, legal essentials, and access to funding pathways

Building Your Team

Learn how to work with contractors, freelancers, and early hires

Pitching, Go-To-Market & Scaling

Master your pitch, go-to-market strategy, and plan for growth

Speakers and Mentors

Llani Kennealy

RAAF Veteran, Business Owner, Chair Women Veterans Australia

Jen Wittwer

Navy Veteran, Consultant, Author and Speaker

Miquela Riley

Navy Veteran, WVA Ambassador, Non-Executive Director and Risk & Governance Consultant

Samantha Dybac

Founder and CEO, The PR Hub

Amanda Rose

Founder and CEO of Entrepreneurial & Small Business Women Australia (ESBWA)

Tiz Porecca

Chief Community Officer, Entrepreneurial & Small Business Women Australia (ESBWA) and Founder and Director of AMONGST

Julie Mikhail

Managing Director, Engineering Business Pty Ltd

Wendy El-Khoury

Creative Director, Wedded Wonderland

How to Apply

If you're ready to apply for the 8-Week Accelerator Program - apply below:

Interested in the full 8-Week Accelerator Program? You can submit your application at any time. Applicants will be notified of their selection after the launch event.

  • 30 places available
  • Includes workshops, mentoring, and networking
  • For NSW residents only

Apply for the 8-Week Accelerator Program 

Still deciding whether this program is for you? Register for the Launch Event below:

Apply to attend a one-day in-person event to refine your business idea, connect with other women veterans, and hear from guest speakers.

  • A great first step, whether you're just starting or ready to grow
  • Held in February 2026 (date TBC)
  • For NSW residents only


 Join our community to receive updates about the Launch Event.