A little information for you on our program: The Stepping Stones Small Business Program, funded by AMP foundation, has worked towards empowering refugee and migrant entrepreneurs since 2011. We are a unique micro-enterprise program, tailored to women from refugee and migrant backgrounds, that builds upon each participants’ strengths and experiences. Our program offers small business training, mentoring and support to enable the entrepreneurs to overcome significant barriers to entering the workforce and to make a living in their new country. We aim to increase business skills, knowledge of Australian business systems and increase their financial capabilities. Our goal is to support women to establish viable businesses and increase social and economic participation.

Stepping Stones Mentoring: Mentoring is a key element of the program designed to build long-term relationships that will help refugee and migrant women overcome cultural barriers, isolation and a lack of confidence. Through the program, the women develop a better understanding of financial and small business systems in Australia and adapt their business experience overseas to the complexity and compliance issues of running a business in Australia. Mentors don't need to have specific small business experience; they just need to be willing to go on the journey with these women. The commitment from 1-on-1 mentors would be 2-4 hours per fortnight for 6-12 months. Mentors will then be matched with a woman in the program. We also have other forms of mentoring with varying levels of commitment.