We’re thrilled to announce the launch of EmpowerHER, a brand-new initiative by Plus Eight, designed specifically to equip female founders with the tools, connections, and confidence to secure investment and take their businesses to the next level. FREE for female business owners, and made possible by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation's New Industries Fund X-TEND WA Program, EmpowerHER aims to support women entrepreneurs in Perth by focusing on critical areas of growth and preparing participants for the journey toward scaling their ventures.
At Plus Eight, we recognise that navigating the path to investment can be particularly challenging. EmpowerHER has been tailored to address these challenges head-on by offering a structured, eight-week program that combines workshops, mentorship, and investor networking opportunities.
This program also acts as a pathway into our flagship seed-funded Plus Eight Accelerator program, providing female entrepreneurs with the tools to refine their business strategies and develop the confidence to pitch to investors. The top two participants from this cohort will earn automatic entry into the prestigious Plus Eight Accelerator Bootcamp, scheduled to run in April.
How does it work?
EmpowerHER will run on Wednesday evenings from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, starting with an orientation on February 5. The program includes sessions focused on key aspects of investment readiness:
- February 5, 2025 – Orientation
Connect with your cohort, mentors, and the Plus Eight team as we kick off this transformative journey.
- February 12, 2025 – Business modelling and defining Your USP
Hone your business model, understand the competitive landscape, and craft a unique value proposition for investors.
- February 19, 2025 – Understanding the investment landscape
Explore funding options, negotiation tactics, and investor motivations to confidently navigate the investment process.
- February 26, 2025 – Marketing and communication
Learn to craft compelling narratives and build a strong brand presence that resonates with stakeholders.
- March 5, 2025 – Work-life balance and wellbeing
Develop strategies to manage the demands of entrepreneurship while maintaining personal well-being.
- March 13, 2025 – Team, mindset, and legal
Master team-building, legal compliance, and growth-focused mindsets to scale successfully.
- March 19, 2025 – Pitch practice
Refine your pitch with expert guidance, preparing for your big moment in front of investors.
- March 26, 2025 – Pitch showcase
Showcase your progress at a culminating event, where the top pitches earn their place in the Plus Eight Accelerator Bootcamp.
EmpowerHER is tailored for women-led startups that have moved beyond the idea stage and are making progress toward investment readiness. Whether you're a solo founder with a clear vision, part of an established team with strong female leadership, or even if you're unsure whether you're at the right stage for this program, all female entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply. Our goal is to support your growth journey and help you take the next steps toward success.
Joining EmpowerHER offers you the opportunity to gain practical knowledge about the investment landscape, equipping you with the insights needed to navigate funding opportunities. You'll have the chance to build meaningful relationships with experienced mentors and investors, fostering connections that can support your entrepreneurial journey. The program also provides access to valuable resources to help refine your business strategy and secure funding. Additionally, you'll become part of a supportive community of like-minded founders, all working together to achieve their goals.
Additionally, participants will enjoy complimentary coworking access to Riff until June 30, 2025, ensuring continued support and collaboration beyond the program.
Applications for EmpowerHER are now open, however places are strictly limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to transform your business. Learn more and apply here! (Applications close on January 22, 2025)
