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? 

 

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.

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Key Information

  • Flexible hybrid program designed to support women veterans across NSW (online-only option available)
  • Dates: 16 March – 22 May 2026 (with a break during NSW school holidays)
  • Weekly time commitment: 2–3 hours, with flexible scheduling to suit your lifestyle
  • In-person options: Three optional sessions held in Sydney

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

How It Works

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Step 1: Apply

Ready to take the next step in your business journey? Apply for the program today. If you’re not sure yet, sign up for a Program Information Session to learn more.

Step 2: Application Selection

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.

Program Information Sessions

Still deciding whether the Phoenix Entrepreneur Program is right for you?

Start by attending a Program Information Session:

  • Ideal for women at any stage, whether you're still serving, ex-service or in the reserves
  • 10 February 2026 at 7:30pm AEDT or 12 Feb at 12:30pm AEDT
  • Online
  • Open to NSW residents only
Register for the Information Session

8-Week Accelerator Program

Delivered by Entrepreneurial & Small Business Women Australia (ESBWA), this flexible program equips women veterans with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to build and grow a successful business. The Accelerator is delivered online to support women veterans across NSW, with three optional in-person sessions in Sydney for those who want to connect further. Participants receive tailored mentoring, practical tools, and structured business development support throughout the program.

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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 CSM

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 Porreca

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

Co-founder, 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?

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

Apply for the 8-Week Accelerator Program