Small business program expands to support more women statewide. Women like Yeni.

Stepping Stones supports women like Yeni from refugee and migrant backgrounds to launch their own business, and this year, it is expanding statewide, to allow more women across Melbourne and regional Victoria to take part.

Yeni is enjoying the independence of running her own promotional clothing business after completing our Stepping Stones to Small Business program.

Stepping Stones supports women from refugee and migrant backgrounds to launch their own business, and this year, it is expanding statewide, to allow more women across Melbourne and regional Victoria to take part.

Yeni moved here from Peru nine years ago. After her younger sister Veronica tragically passed away, she decided to pursue the venture they had conceived of together, establishing and developing it with the assistance of Stepping Stones last year. She named it Verozzie, in honour of Veronica.

‘I’m so grateful for Stepping Stones. It makes me feel alive,” she said. “I have learned a lot – not only about business, but also just hearing so many women's stories of their life in Australia,’ she said.

Stepping Stones team leader, Rebecca Pinney Medding said the program supports women to participate socially and economically in their communities. ‘It builds on their strengths and experience and the benefits flow to their children, families and the broader community,’ she said.

This year the program is expanding, with extra supports and extra locations. Eligible women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, women over 50 and/or from rural and regional Victoria can participate.

Programs in Flemington and Dandenong run for 15 weeks starting in March, with free childcare provided.

Later this year, Stepping Stones will launch in the town of Ballarat, and in the local council area of Wyndham which spans south-western Melbourne suburbs such as Werribee out to the rural area towards Geelong.

Travel and/or accommodation costs may be reimbursed for eligible women from regional areas.

To register for the program or for more information, visit the Stepping Stones to Small Business or phone 9422 5650.