Women in Business: How to Connect and Grow with Like-Minded Entrepreneurs

Women in business today are a powerful and vibrant force. Across Australia, statistics show workplace gender equality is steadily improving, with about 30% of Aussie businesses now belonging to women. At the same time, research indicates that Australia has become one of the top 10 best global markets for female business owners, and is even ranked second-best for female social entrepreneurs worldwide. Nevertheless, the challenges facing women entrepreneurs remain significant—whether it’s being mistaken for a junior employee, coming up against the glass ceiling, or grappling with pay gaps.

In this article, we’ll explore how to connect with like-minded women entrepreneurs and discuss some of the best communities, resources, and strategies to find women in business. We’ll also shine a spotlight on a platform called Bunchups, which helps you forge genuine, small-scale gatherings and meetups for deeper, more meaningful connections. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive roadmap for building your network, engaging in supportive communities, and gaining the confidence to elevate your personal and professional life.

The Importance of Community for Women in Business

Whether you’re launching a side hustle, scaling an established company, or simply seeking to find women in business who share your entrepreneurial drive, community is key. The process of building a business can be isolating, particularly for women entrepreneurs who may face unique social and cultural barriers. Finding supportive peers, mentors, and role models can give you:

1. Inspiration and Motivation: It’s easier to stay motivated when you’re surrounded by other driven women entrepreneurs. Hearing stories of success, perseverance, and triumph helps remind you of your potential.

2. Resource-sharing: Communities often act as a treasure trove of practical advice and knowledge. If you’re struggling with social media marketing or budgeting, you’re likely to meet someone who’s walked that path before.

3. Collaboration and Connections: When you consistently meet and mingle, you’re bound to develop important working relationships—everything from co-founded ventures and client referrals to accountability partnerships that help you crush goals.

4. Confidence-Building: There’s something incredibly powerful about seeing people like you succeed. Community links you to those who validate your worth, champion your ideas, and remind you of the importance of your voice in the business arena.

In Australia, there’s an abundance of ways to find women in business communities: from local meetups and online forums to niche podcasts, membership sites, and inclusive Facebook groups. Below, we’ll explore 10 notable resources and networks that are helping women entrepreneurs stay connected, informed, and inspired.

1. Lady Startup

Where Inspiration Meets Practical Know-How

Lady Startup was founded by media powerhouse Mia Freedman, co-founder of Mamamia Media Group, known for being Australia’s largest digital women’s media company. Lady Startup itself is home to one of the world’s largest women’s podcast networks, boasting over 56 million downloads.

Its engaging podcasts bring you behind-the-scenes stories of how other women launched and grew their ventures—making it especially helpful when you’re hoping to find women in business who have navigated the inevitable ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Lady Startup also provides a business activation plan aimed at getting your new venture off the ground in as little as six weeks. For those ready to go even deeper, they offer a weekly newsletter, paid video courses, and other resources that go beyond the basics.

If you’re someone who wants more meaningful work, hopes to transition a side hustle into full-time employment, or simply craves a positive impact, Lady Startup offers the tools and stories to help you push forward.

2. Business Chicks

One of Australia’s Largest Women’s Networks

Despite the playful name, Business Chicks is serious about empowering all women—whether you’re running a business, working in an office, or freelancing. This inclusive community is a fantastic place to find women in business who understand the challenges and triumphs you experience.

A membership of around $17 a month grants you access to an online masterclass library, a member magazine, various exclusive networking meetups, and a supportive community numbering in the thousands. Whether you’re looking for a casual chat over coffee or an in-depth strategic conversation to scale your business, Business Chicks helps you build genuine, long-term connections. It’s an ideal environment to bounce ideas around, collaborate, or simply feel part of an uplifting tribe of women entrepreneurs.

3. Club Woman

Creativity-Focused Community

Club Woman focuses on creative professionals, founded by two women who connected through a shared love of laughter and wine. It’s an inviting space that encourages the forging of deeper friendships through virtual meetups and an online library filled with tutorials, interviews, and hacks from some of the best creative minds in the industry.

With a membership, you’ll not only find women in business but also gain access to their classifieds and enjoy discounts on in-person gatherings like “Unwind with Wines” and “Wonder Woman.” If creativity is at the heart of your hustle, Club Woman can be a refreshing place to explore personal growth, professional connections, and new approaches to your craft.

4. League of Extraordinary Women

A Haven for Dreamers, Doers, and Go-Getters

Established by four women nearly a decade ago, the League of Extraordinary Women has grown into a collective of thousands of female entrepreneurs championing each other towards their biggest visions. If life’s news cycle feels overwhelming, this community offers a supportive space to refocus on positive growth and forward momentum.

For around $12.99 USD a month (or $119.99 USD per year), members receive 24-hour access to the League’s online platform and mobile app. Regular virtual meetups encourage connection among a global cohort, and the group helps you find accountability partners so you can stay on track with your goals. They also host Q&A sessions with experts to guide you through common hurdles.

If you want a structured, socially driven way to find women in business who will help you amplify your dreams—and cheer you on every step of the way—the League of Extraordinary Women is a great option to consider.

5. Shameless

Pop Culture Meets Feminist Perspective

Do you ever notice how “men’s interest” content gets touted as respectable, while traditionally “feminine” content can be dismissed? Enter Shameless—a podcast helmed by Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald that takes a distinctly feminist lens to pop culture and celebrity news.

Shameless releases new episodes every Monday and Thursday, often featuring interviews with influential Australians on their second weekly show. They also run the Shameless Book Club on the first Saturday of each month, offering lively discussions on notable literary works. For a dash of something different, their Friday newsletter recommends what to read, watch, and listen to, plus the occasional foodie tip.

While Shameless isn’t strictly a networking group, tuning in can help you find women in business who share your values and sense of community. Their content fosters meaningful discussions that often translate into real-world connections with other like-minded Australian women.

6. Foundr Insiders

Building the Future of Entrepreneurship

Foundr is a global resource for aspiring and established business owners. Their magazine enjoys more than 250,000 subscribers, and their podcast garners over a million listeners. Even though it’s not exclusively for women, it remains an important space for women entrepreneurs—especially those eager to scale up or launch new projects.

Foundr acknowledges that while starting a business might be easy, building and sustaining it is the real challenge. They offer mentorship opportunities, free and paid courses, and a Facebook group community that fosters collaboration among driven individuals. If you need high-quality content about marketing, scaling, and leadership—and want to find women in business also frequenting a global entrepreneurial hub—Foundr Insiders could be an integral part of your toolkit.

7. She’s on the Money

Financial Empowerment for Women Entrepreneurs

If cash flow is king, understanding finances is vital. Unfortunately, financial literacy can be intimidating—or downright unappealing—for many. That’s where She’s on the Money steps in. Hosted by millennial finance guru Victoria Devine, this podcast is devoted to helping women entrepreneurs and everyday women take control of their money with confidence.

Ranked as Australia’s number-one money podcast, She’s on the Money combines empathy with practical tips for budgeting, saving, and investing. Their Facebook group has nearly 100k members who share wins, hurdles, and financial goals. Whether you’re bootstrapping a new eCommerce store or simply wanting to better manage your budget, joining this community will let you find women in business who have turned their finances around and are willing to guide you through the process.

8. The Women’s Business Collective

Cross-Tasman Collaboration

Created by lawyer-turned-entrepreneur Carolyn Ryder, The Women’s Business Collective unites Aussie and Kiwi business owners for mutual support and collaboration. Carolyn launched her law practice from her dining room, determined to mould her work around her growing family, so she’s intimately familiar with the challenges of balancing domestic life with professional ambition.

Membership is set at $9.95 per month. In return, you can advertise your business in their directory, attend both in-person and online gatherings, and access a private Facebook group for direct interaction. If you’re struggling with digital marketing tools or want a second opinion on your brand’s logo design, The Women’s Business Collective is a supportive ecosystem where you can find women in business at various stages of growth, happy to share their insights and experiences.

9. Gretta Rose van Riel

Serial Entrepreneur and Online Business Maven

When it comes to launching fresh ideas, Gretta Rose van Riel is unstoppable. She founded a multimillion-dollar tea business at 22, won Shopify’s Build-a-Business competition, and continues to amaze with ventures like Drop Bottle, Nichify, and The 5th (a company that famously earned over $1 million in a single day). In short, she’s the kind of role model many aspiring women entrepreneurs love to learn from.

Gretta often shares tips on her social media channels, especially Instagram, offering valuable insights into online marketing, branding, and product development. While not a community in the traditional sense, following her helps you tap into a network of fellow fans—many of whom are driven women entrepreneurs. If you’re seeking inspiration from a local success story, Gretta Rose van Riel’s journey is a masterclass in hustle, grit, and creativity.

10. The Female Founders Network

Global Connections with a Personal Touch

Sponsored by Invoice2go, the Female Founders Network is a worldwide community for women entrepreneurs and leaders, featuring a private Facebook group and a podcast. Each episode focuses on different stories of success or hurdles, spotlighting everything from how to secure funding, to balancing your side hustle, to the realities of scaling up.

The podcast is hosted by Nat Brown and Sylvie Hall, who are passionate about bringing on guests who can help you gain new knowledge and perspectives. Their Facebook community is also growing quickly, providing a space where you can find women in business around the world who want to exchange ideas, encourage each other, and discuss cutting-edge strategies. If you aim to embrace a global outlook, this is a supportive, forward-thinking network that might just be your next digital home.

How to Use Bunchups to Deepen Your Connections

While online communities, podcasts, and digital resources are terrific ways to find women in business, sometimes you’re looking for something more personal—a way to meet up and have meaningful face-to-face (or small group) conversations. That’s where Bunchups enters the scene.

Bunchups is a platform that helps people connect for intimate gatherings and meetups based on shared interests. Instead of large-scale events, Bunchups focuses on smaller get-togethers that empower you to form deeper, more authentic relationships. Think cooking nights, yoga sessions, reading clubs, or co-working sessions—activities that enable real engagement and plenty of one-on-one conversation.

• Combatting Isolation and Loneliness: Meeting other women entrepreneurs in small settings can help conquer the sense of isolation many experience while running a business from home or diving into new territory.

• Discovering Local Talent and Partnerships: You might want to collaborate with other Aussie women entrepreneurs on a new product or start a local accountability circle. By hosting or joining relevant gatherings on Bunchups, you can find like-minded peers in your neighbourhood.

• Shared Interests, Shared Motivation: One of Bunchups’ biggest draws is its diverse categories. Whether you want to keep fit together, play board games, or practice public speaking, you’ll likely find women in business who share your passions and can make these gatherings more meaningful.

How Bunchups Works

• Guests: Hop onto Bunchups, browse by category or date, and message hosts directly. If you’re new in town, or if you just want to find women in business who enjoy the same activities, you can see what’s happening around you and easily join in.

• Hosts: You can list an activity, carefully describe what you’ll be doing, and invite others to “Bunch Up” with you. If you’ve been meaning to start a brainstorming meetup for product ideas or a Monday co-working session for women entrepreneurs, Bunchups provides a platform to make it happen.

And here’s the bonus: it’s free to use Bunchups. This means you can set up gatherings and start connecting without any additional financial burden—especially appealing for early-stage entrepreneurs who need to watch every cent.

Making the Most of Bunchups as a Woman in Business

If you’re specifically looking to find women in business, try hosting meetups that directly address your area of need. For instance:

• Startup Brainstorming Sessions: If you’re an aspiring tech founder, you could host a weekly brainstorming gathering on Bunchups where you invite other women entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and solutions for common business roadblocks.

• Accountability Work Sprints: Sometimes, the best way to get work done is to do it in good company. You can create a listing on Bunchups for a small accountability or co-working gathering. This helps you beat isolation while also making new friends and potential partners.

• Skill-Sharing Workshops: Are you a marketing whiz but struggling with finances? Host a mini skill-swap session for other women entrepreneurs in your area. You bring the marketing tips, and they might bring a simplified budgeting workshop.

By leveraging Bunchups, you’re not only forging personal connections but also positioning yourself to build a strong professional circle—one that aligns with your vision, schedule, and passion.

Beyond Business: The Power of In-Person Conversations

One reason so many of these groups and platforms exist is that personal connections matter—especially when we talk about women entrepreneurs, who often juggle multiple responsibilities. Yes, social media and online communities are powerful tools to find women in business. However, there’s something special about physically sitting down with a cup of coffee, looking another woman in the eye, and exchanging experiences, advice, or simply a few laughs.

That’s why Bunchups emphasizes small meetups where you can foster stronger bonds. A smaller gathering naturally creates an environment where you can truly talk, listen, and learn from each other. As you deepen these relationships, you’ll gain not just business leads but also friendships, confidantes, and cheerleaders who genuinely care about your journey.

Putting It All Together: Your Roadmap to Thriving as a Woman in Business

With all these resources at your fingertips—from digital platforms like Lady Startup or Foundr to Aussie-based communities like Business Chicks or the League of Extraordinary Women—there’s no shortage of ways to find women in business who’ll support you. Whether it’s refining your finances through She’s on the Money, catching up on creative inspiration at Club Woman, or chatting with Kiwi counterparts at The Women’s Business Collective, the key is to take action.

It can be tempting to think, “I’ll reach out next week when things calm down,” or “I’m not ready to join a community.” But momentum is everything. The sooner you connect with other women entrepreneurs, the quicker you’ll find the motivation and the confidence to pursue your goals.

And remember to harness the power of smaller, face-to-face gatherings. With Bunchups, you can zero in on your specific interests—from exploring new places to reading business books together—and find women in business who are equally keen to learn, collaborate, and thrive. It’s a free and easy way to ensure you’re not going it alone in a big, busy world. Sometimes, it just takes that first coffee meetup to uncover new friends, new leads, or breakthroughs.

Final Thoughts

Australian women entrepreneurs are making waves both locally and globally. Yet, challenges like inequality, unconscious bias, and work-life imbalance still exist. By actively seeking out support networks and communities—both online and in-person—you not only strengthen your entrepreneurial toolbox but also gather around you a circle of advocates who genuinely care.

If you’re eager to meet fascinating women entrepreneurs, share your passions, and even have fun along the way, don’t hesitate to explore platforms like Bunchups, or join groups like The Female Founders Network, Business Chicks, and beyond. When you connect with other driven individuals who share your vision, not only do you elevate your career, but you’re also contributing to a vibrant tapestry of women helping other women.

The journey is so much sweeter when it’s shared. So, take that leap. Find women in business who inspire you, link arms, and watch how quickly your confidence, opportunities, and impact will grow. In an ever-changing world, building meaningful connections might just be the most powerful tool we have—and it’s one you can start using right now.

Ready to discover new horizons and gather with like-minded people?

Head over to Bunchups to browse activities, host your meetups, and reclaim the joy of human interaction. Whether it’s a casual brainstorming session or a regular co-working date, Bunchups can help you find women in business near you who will stand with you as you chase your dreams.

Happy connecting, and here’s to creating a thriving, collaborative, and inspiring future for women entrepreneurs everywhere.