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The small business advocates are bolstering a pioneering women-in-business program to support aspiring female leaders and business owners across Australia.
ACCI and VCCI move to empower female SME leaders
26 March 2025
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8 minute read
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has announced the national expansion of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (VCCI) ‘Chamber Change.’
The Chamber Change would be rolled out nationally to help strengthen women’s workforce participation and leadership across the country.
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Victorian Chamber chief executive Paull Guerra said this was a major milestone for the organisation and women in business.
“Chamber Change was designed to inspire females to continue their leadership journey at whatever level they are in an organisation,” he said.
“The more females that progress to senior levels, the more opportunities there will be for talented females to become CEOs and board members. Chamber Change is delivering on that, and we couldn’t be prouder of the program and its participants.”
The small business initiative was set to be piloted across state and territory chambers between July 2025 and January 2026.
ACCI chief executive Andrew McKellar said leading the initiative would be another step closer to empowering women in small business.
“At ACCI, we are committed to fostering greater economic participation and leadership opportunities for women across Australia,” he said.
“Through our Breaking Barriers, Changing Cultures initiative, we are providing women with the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to build their own businesses, especially in industries where women are underrepresented.”
According to ACCI, the expansion would form one of three key areas of activity within ACCI’s broader Breaking Barriers, Changing Cultures through Women’ Ownership and Leadership initiative.
This initiative also included education, thought leadership and Australia’s premier Women in Small Business Summit.
Chamber Change was originally developed by VCCI and was shortlisted as a finalist in the World Chambers Competition in the gender equity category.
Jodie Trembath, ACCI project lead and director of skills, employment and small business said the national expansion would build on the program’s success.
“This initiative is about real, tangible change – empowering women to take that exciting but often complex step into business ownership, especially in sectors where they have traditionally faced challenges,” she said.
“The national rollout of Chamber Change is a testament to the program’s impact in Victoria. With the support of the federal government, we’re excited to collaborate with chambers across Australia to create an environment where women-led businesses can thrive.”
ACCI and VCCI said the expansion would require them to work closely in order to effectively adapt the program to the needs of women-led businesses across the country, ensuring more women have access to the leadership, development, mentorship and support they needed.
Victorian Chamber chief of staff Chanelle Pearson, said she wanted to thank the federal government for its investment and ACCI for its leadership.
“Chamber Change has empowered and inspired 450 businesswomen across metropolitan and regional Victoria, with many participants telling us the program has literally changed their lives,” she said.
“The Victorian Chamber also extends its thanks to our incredible champions – the inspiring leaders who drive Chamber Change – for their selfless and generous contributions to empowering, mentoring, and supporting the next generation of female leaders.”
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to take our globally recognised program across the nation to help drive stronger workforce participation for women, particularly in small business.”
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