Global Sisters is backing women to build economic security through business 

Global Sisters is testing how locally led enterprise can create real pathways to economic independence for women locked out of traditional employment. 

Global Sisters has officially launched its PLACE model in Geelong, in regional Victoria. The initiative is a locally led, collective impact approach designed to support women to achieve economic independence through self-employment. It focuses on women who have experienced domestic and family violence or face ongoing barriers to economic participation, and aims to connect individual support with broader efforts to improve housing, income, and long-term stability. 

Over three years, the PLACE initiative will support 100 women to start micro businesses through a combination of business education, one-on-one coaching, microfinance, marketing support and community connection. Participation is free. A further 200 local supporters are being enlisted to help create market access for women-led enterprises. 

“Global Sisters in Geelong is more than a program or service, it’s a movement. We’re co-creating a future where women are safe, connected, and financially independent,” said Narelle Arthur, Geelong Lead for Global Sisters. 

The initiative is delivered with McAuley Community Services for Women, Meli, local government and community organisations. It is also integrated with housing-security efforts, including McAuley’s Safe at Home pilot and Global Sisters’ Little Green Houses for Her initiative. 

PLACE is also part of Global Sisters’ systems change agenda for welfare reform for self-employment. It aims to show that women affected by DFV can successfully move off welfare over time through self-employment. Evidence from the program will support Global Sisters’ advocacy to reform welfare settings that currently create hard barriers and punitive impacts for women pursuing this pathway when mainstream employment is not suitable. 

“Global Sisters is that missing link for women who’ve experienced so many barriers, offering practical solutions that actually last. Without the right support, it can take women and their children decades to recover financially from violence,” said Diana Connell, a survivor and advocate involved in the initiative. 

Funding for the pilot comes from the Judith Neilson Foundation, as part of its commitment to locally led, long-term solutions that improve women’s economic security.  

“When we see dozens of women-led businesses in a community, the ripple effect in creating a fairer, more inclusive economy is tangible,” said Heather McLean-Thomson, Chief Operating Officer and Head of PLACE at Global Sisters. 

Described as the first model of its kind in Australia, PLACE brings together national delivery partners, local government and regional service providers. It builds on Global Sisters’ work supporting more than 2,500 women into self-employment across Victoria since 2016. Learn more about the Geelong PLACE initiative, and Global Sisters.