Empowering women-led businesses to access global markets

The APEC Women’s Business Activator Program strengthens the capacity of women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to grow beyond their local markets and thrive on the global stage. Through targeted training, expert mentoring, and international peer connection, the program equips women entrepreneurs with the practical skills and strategic insight needed to navigate barriers to both local and global markets. In 2026, women entrepreneurs from across APEC economies are invited to join a diverse and visionary cohort committed to expanding their international business capability.

 

What the Program Offers

Participants engage in a dynamic combination of online learning, mentoring, and a five-day intensive face-to-face workshop in Melbourne, Australia.

 

Across the program, women entrepreneurs will:

• Strengthen business strategy and financial planning

• Understand export readiness and market-entry pathways

• Build confidence navigating trade regulations and cultural considerations

• Develop leadership capability to support international growth

• Connect with a powerful network of women leaders and industry experts

 

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from women entrepreneurs across APEC economies.

 

The program strongly encourages participation from:

• Women with disabilities

• Indigenous women

• Women from ethnic, religious, or cultural minority groups

• Women living in rural or remote areas

 

We are committed to ensuring equitable and fair participation. Reasonable adjustments and accessibility support are available for both online and face-to-face components, including travel requirements.

If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact apec.australia@rmit.edu.au for assistance.

 

Funding and Eligibility

Selected women candidates from APEC ODA-eligible economies (China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam) will receive free access to training material, participation in online workshops, personalised mentoring, and all travel costs to attend an intensive 5-day session in Melbourne, Australia. International travel costs include return flight tickets in Economy class, visa cost, travel insurance, return airport transfers, 6-night accommodation in Melbourne, and per diem.  Selected women candidates from non ODA-eligible economies can apply to participate in the program but would not receive funding for travel. Participants will be chosen based on the alignment of their application against the selection criteria.

 

Eligibility Criteria

• Women citizens or permanent residents of an APEC economy (noting that travel funding for the in-person component will only be provided for selected participants from ODA eligible economies. Women citizens or permanent residents of a non-ODA-eligible economies can still apply and participate in the program, but would be required to self-fund travel costs relating to the in-person course component).

• Founder or key decision maker in a small to medium enterprise (1 applicant per enterprise); ​

• Professional proficiency in the English language; ​

• Have a reliable internet connection to commit attendance for all online sessions from 23 February – 25 May 2026;

• Available to travel to Melbourne, Australia to join the face-to-face sessions from 4-8 May 2026;

 

If you meet these requirements, we invite you to apply to join the ‘APEC Women's Business Activator Program for Women-led SMEs to Access Global Markets’.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​