Vista and IFundWomen name Australian winners of ReferHer Program

Vista, in partnership with IFundWomen (IFW) and One Roof, has revealed the 10 Australian women-led businesses selected to participate in ReferHer – a new global initiative designed to connect women entrepreneurs around the world with capital, coaching and networking opportunities. 

Vista launched the program with a call for entries in April 2022, with the winners selected representing a diverse mix of burgeoning industries from design, fashion, support groups to pet behaviour management.

The list of winners are: Ashley Hanger of Stripped Supply, Helen Dao of Be Fraiche, Jess McLeod from The Conscious Space, Danielle Owen Whitford from Pioneera, Caroline Lepron from Skoutli, Kristy Withers from Incy Interiors, Molly Benjamin from Ladies Finance Club, Sophie Allan from So Help Me Dog, Ruth Fattal from Ruth Fattal and Sarah Spence from Content Copy Writing.

Out of the 10 companies selected to join the ReferHer program, two lucky winners – Ashley Hanger of Striped Supply and Helen Dao of Be Fraiche – each scored a $10,000 grant to help support their businesses into the future.

To mark the occasion and official program kick-off, celebrity chef and restauranter, Kylie Kwong hosted a celebratory dinner at Lucky Kwong on 18 May.

The 10 winners each brought a friend and fellow small-business-owner to the table, and all will now have access to a suite of services and resources to build a community of support including one year complimentary One Roof membership with access to coaching and expert consultants, private coaching sessions and unlimited access to workshops from IFW, plus a 12 month subscription to VistaCreate and $700 credit for both 99designs by Vista and Vistaprint from Vista. 

Kwong said, “I have always been a strong advocate for supporting fellow small businesses and in particular, women in business. Being a restaurateur for close to 20 years, I know all too well the realities and energy required to manage all facets of a small business. It’s something you never stop thinking about!

“Support is crucial to help navigate the continual challenges and to also celebrate the great upsides. That’s why I was so drawn to the ReferHer campaign. It’s a wonderful and truly impactful way to celebrate, support and encourage women in business.”

Vista CEO Marcus Marchant said the business is honoured to be a part of this supportive initiative that puts a spotlight on this strong group of entrepreneurs.

“ReferHer enables Vista to take an active role in helping to grow the number of women-owned businesses in Australia and the world. Vista’s support in the ReferHer program highlights the business; commitment to cultivating a diverse and thriving business economy,” he said.

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