How this networking event is supporting Female Founders in Canberra

From humble beginnings as a supportive online chat room, Female Founders has transformed into a thriving and dynamic community for innovative female entrepreneurs. With over 25 events, 1315 attendees and 35 stories heard, this community is not just growing: it’s thriving.

Hosted bi-monthly by the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN), Female Founders provides female-led businesses with a supportive space to learn and connect. But it’s more than an event; it’s a vibrant community where you can share achievements, find advice, and talk with those who actually understand.

It started out of need to connect during the isolation experienced during 2020 – at that time the need for connection was more vital than ever. Being held on Zoom, it provided an online support system for women in business, women looking to connect and share their experiences and learn from others. Each attendee had an opportunity to introduce themselves and share their challenges. Ilea Buffier and Serina Bird, two early members, reminisce about those early days.

“Female Founders during isolation was similar to a mother’s group, having a group of women who truly understood your situation and could provide practical advice,” says Ilea.

Topics of conversation were not limited to business and would flow between how the Female Founders were feeling, the complexities of juggling business and lockdown and often would end with advice being shared.

“You’re in an environment that is created to be supportive and to get connected; it leads to more chats and interesting conversations,” says Serina.

The virtual conversations forged real connections and friendships within the community, creating a sense of belonging and validation for their entrepreneurial journey.

“It was amazing having access to other female entrepreneurs that had experienced the problems you were facing” says Ilea.

Fast forward almost four years, and Female Founders has evolved into a thriving and diverse community of entrepreneurs. Each event is a unique experience with varying formats – from seasoned keynote speakers discussing trending topics like Finance and Money, Transforming Ideas and Breaking Down Biases to showcases featuring women-led businesses services and products.

“You are able to be involved and learn from the speakers” says Serina.

Beyond entrepreneurs, the events welcome women who don’t necessarily see themselves as founders or entrepreneurs. It provides them with a gateway to join a community of innovative minds with access to resources, information, and networks. Tina Ha and Demi Aloisi from RD Consulting shared their experience about what it’s like to attend Female Founders.

“As someone who does not identify as an entrepreneur you can implement what the speaker talks about into everything you do, such as professional and personal lifestyle” says Tina.

“It is such a positive, inspiring and motivating room to be in” says Demi.

Female Founders is not just an event; it’s a celebration and support system for women in business and their diverse achievements.

Ready to join this thriving community and support female entrepreneurs? You’re invited to the special edition Female Founders event celebrating International Women’s Day. Come along on Tuesday 12 March, from 12:15 pm to 1:45 pm at the Canberra Innovation Network, Level 5, 1 Moore Street ACT. Register now!