Chief Executive Women (CEW) is offering women small business owners and co-owners access to scholarships worth up to $35,000.

National lobby group CEW is providing the scholarships to businesses with a turnover of less than $10 million per annum, in a bid to address the shortfall in resources for women’s leadership skills.

The scholarships aim to provide women the tools they need to grow their operations.

According to CEW, women lead more than one-third of Australian businesses, but they struggle to find the resources to develop their leadership capabilities.

CCIWA has recently released its report on disincentives for women re-entering the workforce after having children, highlighting the benefits of female workforce participation.

The report cites Grattan Institute research estimating the Australian economy would grow by about $25 billion if women’s workforce participation increased by just six per cent.

It also cites Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre research stating the an increase of 10 percentage points or more in the share of female Key Management Personnel would lead to a 6.6 per cent increase in the market value of Australian ASX-listed companies.

To be eligible to apply for the scholarships, you must be a female owner or co-owner of a business that has operated for at least three years, provide a business plan and a statement from your accountant that the business is viable.

Applicants should ideally have demonstrated a commitment to philanthropy, either personally or as part of their business.

CEW will cover the full cost of tuition fees for the duration of the course selected by successful candidates, up to $35,000, with scope for partial funding for courses above that amount.

The first application intake period closes on February 8 2021 and the second closes on June 28 2021.

For more information or to apply click here.