ISSUE
Women owners of small and medium businesses in rural, regional and remote areas of Australia face different challenges to their sisters in cities and towns. A survey of 192 women indicated that their businesses would benefit from enhanced government procurement strategies aimed directly at their business operations.
RATIONALE
Small business is a critical part of the Australian economy and focussing on women owned and operated business would not only help to support the economy in a general sense, it would improve the economic security of women in RRR Australia.
A lack of regular and reliable buyers of their produce simply because of their geographic location and access to finance undermines the ability of many women to kick-start their small business models and then for them to prosper and expand.
IMPLEMENTATION
The procurement policy would be through a business register which would be the point of call for government procurement managers.
The Rural Woman Cooperative would be the Supply Nation equivalent, creating a verification process, database and procurement strategies. Education and training on both sides of the marketplace would be part of the function.
A partnership with Supply Nation would be important to expand the reach and support for rural First Nations women.
CONCLUSION
Women in RRR Australia have a strong entrepreneurial flair but are often constrained in their goals by uncertain sales and lack of access to credit. A simply change in procurement policies will allow these business to succeed which will be an important element of enhancing the economic security of women in RRR Australia.