CANBERRA: Australia is getting its first co-working space designed specifically for women-led start-ups, with The Ventura set to be launched in Sydney on March 31.
The Ventura is a project of Dr Catriona Wallace, who said the space will welcome start-up businesses and social entrepreneurs with a female founder, co-founder or CEO, less than $1m in revenue and are under three years old.
The space will be located at Level 6, 234 Sussex Street, Sydney, with foundation tenants include Dr Wallace’s own start-up Flamingo, Pop Up Brands and Her Fashion Box.
Dr Wallace said The Ventura will have strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion and will provide opportunities for different groups including the indigenous, disabled, asylum seeker, refugee, lesbian and transgender communities.
“In planning this new work space, we have designed The Ventura to overcome current challenges that women-led start-ups face,” Dr Wallace said.
“These include access to capital/investors, pre-qualified services such as legal, accounting and media as well as technology and developers and international business networks. We will also assist entrepreneurs with everyday support functions from childcare to group emotional support, as well as access to events.