Ahead of International Women’s Day 2025, new research from GoDaddy has spotlighted the significant contribution of female entrepreneurs to Australia’s small business economy. The findings come from Venture Forward, GoDaddy’s data initiative analysing more than 300,000 microbusinesses across the country (defined as businesses with 0–9 employees).
The data reveals that 44 per cent of these businesses are led by women, and notably, 57 per cent of these female-led ventures have been established within the past five years.
Despite broader economic uncertainty, only 27 per cent of female founders expressed confidence in Australia’s overall economy—a strong 69 per cent remain optimistic about the growth and success of their own business over the next six months. More than one-third (35%) also plan to hire new staff in the coming year.
Women Entrepreneurs Leading with Impact
The report underscores the critical role women are playing in supporting household incomes, with 27 per cent identifying as the primary income earner in their home. Additionally, 37 per cent of women surveyed report monthly business revenues exceeding $5,000.
Importantly, 56 per cent of female founders say running a business has improved their quality of life, offering greater fulfilment, autonomy, and the ability to pursue personal passions.
Pioneering the AI Frontier
Australian women in business are also leading the way in adopting artificial intelligence. Nearly half (48%) believe AI will level the playing field between small and large enterprises in the year ahead. Many are already embracing AI for efficiency and productivity:
75% use AI for content writing
62% use it to summarise information
45% use it for strategy generation and recommendations
A Real-Life Example
Miki Kanamaru, founder of Pawsitive Mindset, a dog training business, shared her experience:
“After COVID, demand for dog coaching surged as more people welcomed pets into their homes. I combined my background in psychology with a love of animals to create a business focused on improving dog behaviour.”
This data reinforces the powerful role female founders play in shaping Australia’s economic future—driving innovation, supporting families, and enhancing community wellbeing.
