SUPPORTING FEMALE FOUNDERS
Westpac is committed to promoting financial inclusion and removing barriers for female founders. If you’re a female founder enquire below to find out how we can support you.
Learn from women who have built successful businesses
Proudly supported by Westpac, the Fearless Females Podcast shares candid conversations with founders, entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Our Commitment
Westpac has achieved a major milestone, reaching $1 billion in lending to female entrepreneurs. This reflects Westpac's dedication to backing women in business and helping address the funding challenges many female founders face when starting and scaling their ventures.
We know that accessing finance is one of the biggest challenges women face when starting or growing a business1. That’s why we’ve simplified the lending process for all eligible businesses through our Business Loans for start-ups and scale-ups2.
In addition to our simplified lending process we’re proud to provide support for female entrepreneurs to develop and reach their potential through sponsorships in the startup ecosystem.
We’ve also established the Westpac Female Founder Awards to recognise and celebrate female founders who are driving innovation, growth and positive impact across Australia, while helping elevate the visibility of women-led businesses and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.
Stay tuned for some of the ways that Westpac is advocating for financial inclusion and demonstrating our support to removing barriers for women.
Start ahead with startup business hub
Whether you’re setting up your banking, taking payments, or planning for growth, Westpac can help you take the next step with confidence.
Westpac is investing in the next wave of female entrepreneurs with our partners
Westpac x UNSW Founders
We’re excited to announce our continued sponsorship with UNSW Founders for a third year in 2026.
UNSW Founders is a leading on campus entrepreneurship program, providing end-to-end support to individuals wanting to start and scale their businesses.
The sponsorship provides concrete financial support for promising founders through dedicated pitch prizes and scholarships.
Westpac Accelerator Scholarships
Westpac is proud to fund three scholarships valued at $20,000 each to offer financial support to women and non-binary founders who are successful in joining UNSW Founders 10x Accelerator programs with their high-potential startup.
The Westpac Accelerator Scholarships are designed to address barriers that women founders may experience when pursuing their startup full time, including those who may struggle to balance family and work commitments and access capital for business growth. It can also help cover their cost of travel or supplement income when undertaking the 10-week Accelerator program. Learn more about the UNSW Founders 10X Program here.
Is it time to turn your side hustle into a real business?
Or branch out on your own? A business loan for startups could help get your dreams off the ground.
Westpac x Tech Ready Women
Tech Ready Women is a nationally recognised education company upskilling women through the provision of industry-leading tech, startup and business training programs, events and support networks.
Westpac is proud to sponsor Tech Ready Women’s Investment Ready Program. It’s designed to help female founders on their startup journey by providing world-class mentoring and training in tech and business. We provide part scholarships to these programs, helping make them more accessible to women entrepreneurs. Learn more about the Tech Ready Women Investment Ready Program Here.
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Business loans for Startups
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Our Sustainability strategy
Our commitment to building a sustainable future by taking action in the areas where we can have the greatest impact.
Get involved
Stay tuned for updates on our 2025 initiatives.
Things you should know
1. The research was commissioned by Westpac and conducted by Lonergan Research in October 2024 in accordance with the ISO 20252 standard. 1,010 Australian SME Business Leaders were surveyed throughout Australia including capital city and non-capital city areas. The survey was conducted online with data weighted to the latest population estimates sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
2. Terms & Conditions, fees & charges and eligibility and credit criteria apply.