The Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) is delighted to announce the 10 MFAA member businesses that have been selected to take part in the She Means Business pilot program.
The initiative is funded by the Federal Government and has been developed by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA).
Recognising the need to lift the number of women in the broking sector – which currently stands just below 27% and has barely shifted in the last decade – She Means Business aims to increase small business gender diversity, including among business leaders.
MFAA member mortgage and finance broking businesses across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland with fewer than 20 employees that have a passion for improving gender diversity in broking were invited to apply to take part in the pilot program.
Members have embraced this opportunity and the MFAA received a sizeable number of applications.
Now 10 businesses have been chosen and will receive funding and customised training that supports their business growth, develops leadership skills and other capabilities, while contributing to further industry diversity and innovation.
The businesses will take part in the pilot between now and March 2026 – activities will include in-person mentoring, interviews, training and feedback loops.
MFAA CEO Anja Pannek congratulated the successful She Means Business applicants.
“I’m delighted with the strong interest members have shown in this wonderful initiative,” Ms Pannek said.
“I’m sure the participants who have been selected will gain a lot from this experience, including crucial insights and skills that they can implement in their businesses.
“The MFAA has a firm commitment to promoting inclusivity – it drives innovation and enhances organisational performance.”
Ms Pannek said it was also important to inspire the next generation of women broker business leaders and promote broking as a rewarding career option.
COSBOA’s Head of Programs Nicole Walsh said the program was aimed at providing pathways for more women into areas of small business where they are underrepresented.
“COSBOA is proud to partner with thee MFAA for this exciting initiative and we’ve been blown away by the response,” Ms Walsh said.
“She Means Business will provide us with the insights we need to ensure women can enjoy rewarding and sustainable careers in all sectors, including mortgage broking.”
Tripti Goyal, the associate director of Melbourne brokerage Trusted Financial Choice, said she was speechless on learning her business had been selected.
“Thank you, the MFAA and COSBOA, for this incredible opportunity,” Ms Goyal said.
“I feel very honoured to be part of the program – to learn, upskill and find ways to give back through this experience.”
Another brokerage which successfully applied for She Means Business is MoneyQuest Penrith & Blue Mountains.
“I am so thrilled about this opportunity, having worked in the industry for many years I see this as a way to give back,” said managing director Peita Davies.
Once participants have completed the She Means Business pilot program, any findings and insights will contribute to national recommendations for businesses across a number of industries.
Here are the MFAA member businesses that have been selected for She Means Business:
Queensland:
NSW:
Victoria:
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