A striking transformation is taking shape in the Australian small business space – one that heralds the remarkable strides of women embracing small business and entrepreneurship driven by the desire to take the lead, better balance the mental load and leave a legacy.
The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), show that women make up 34.8 per cent of business owner-managers – a 46 per cent surge over the past two decades.
This burgeoning emergence of female-led enterprises not only underscores a significant shift in small business, but also presents opportunities for women in cybersecurity.
Taminda Pollé, founder of CyberIS, is a strong proponent of leveraging the high engagement of women in small businesses to reshape the cybersecurity industry. “The synergy between the growing number of female small-business owners and the imperative for cybersecurity expertise presents a unique opportunity,” Taminda explains. “By tapping into industry-led educational programs, these businesswomen can become the vanguard of their digital defence. The pressing challenge of cybersecurity, where women still grapple with substantial underrepresentation, is fertile ground for addressing critical cybersecurity needs and providing small-business opportunities for women.”
The prevailing gender gap in cybersecurity – where women occupy only 17 per cent of the roles – poses not just a challenge, but an opportunity. Women in small businesses are uniquely positioned to harness their entrepreneurial spirit and drive to safeguard their enterprises against digital threats. Educational initiatives are key.
“There’s an untapped potential in the existing population of female small-business owners. With the right knowledge and tools gained through targeted cybersecurity education, they can fortify their businesses while carving out leadership roles in the digital security domain,” Taminda says.
Cybersecurity education tailored to the needs of small business owners empowers them to take charge of their online safety.
“Education in cybersecurity doesn’t just break down gender barriers; it builds up business resilience,” Taminda affirms. “Small-business owners, especially women, can and should be at the forefront of protecting their operations. By becoming well-versed in cybersecurity, they turn into their own best advocates and defenders against cyber threats.”
Taminda envisions a future where women’s entrepreneurial drive is matched with their ability to defend their business endeavours. “It’s about transforming the current landscape into one where female small business owners are not just participants, but leaders in cybersecurity,” she tells me “Through education and awareness, they can defend their businesses against the increasing threat of cyber attacks, which in Australia account for over $300 million in financial losses.
“The intersection of women’s growing participation in small business and the need for cybersecurity expertise can forge a new frontier,” Taminda adds. “Women-led businesses can become exemplars of digital security, changing the narrative from vulnerability to empowerment.
“It’s not just about filling a gap in the cybersecurity workforce, it’s about equipping women with the skills to protect their businesses and lead the charge in an increasingly digital world,” Taminda concludes.
