About
Photo Courtesy of the APEC Secretariat, www.apec.org
Executive Training
Photo Courtesy of the APEC Secretariat, www.apec.org
Executive Training
Strengthening regional economic integration and prosperity across Asia and the Pacific is the Centre’s driving purpose.
We have an enviable record in designing and delivering tailored training programs and capacity building programs for government,
business, not-for-profits and academic institutions.
Strengthening regional economic integration and prosperity across Asia and the Pacific is the Centre’s driving purpose.
We have an enviable record in designing and delivering tailored training programs and capacity building programs for government,
business, not-for-profits and academic institutions.
Photo Courtesy of the APEC Secretariat, www.apec.org
Executive Training
Strengthening regional economic integration and prosperity across Asia and the Pacific is the Centre’s driving purpose.
We have an enviable record in designing and delivering tailored training programs and capacity building programs for government,
business, not-for-profits and academic institutions.
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APEC Women’s Business Activator Program
Women-led business, built for global markets.
A capacity-building program helping women entrepreneurs across the Asia-Pacific move beyond their local market — through training, mentoring and an intensive in Melbourne.
Since 2023 the APEC Women’s Business Activator Program has run three cohorts, equipping women-led SMEs across APEC economies with the practical skills and connections to enter new markets. Each cohort blends online workshops and coaching with a five-day face-to-face intensive in Melbourne, and a participant-led growth plan.
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:
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Strengthen business strategy and financial planning
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Understand export readiness and market-entry pathways
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Build confidence navigating trade regulations and cultural considerations
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Develop leadership capability to support international growth
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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:
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Women with disabilities
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Indigenous women
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Women from ethnic, religious, or cultural minority groups
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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.
Program Alumni
The APEC Women's Business Activator Program doesn't end when participants fly home from the Melbourne intensive. Program graduates are onboarded into an ongoing alumni program that keeps the learning and connections going. Since the program launched, alumni have taken part in regular mentoring sessions on topics like market research and strategy, marketing for global audiences, cross-cultural communication and negotiation, and emerging technologies for business, led by industry mentors including Candace Ngok, Jeanette Cheah, Suji Sanjeevan and Leon Gouletsas.
Beyond the structured sessions, the real value participants describe is the network itself: the chance to stay connected with mentors, facilitators, and, just as importantly, with alumni from other cohorts and other APEC economies, many of whom are tackling the same markets or facing the same growth challenges. That network has already translated into real outcomes, from new export markets entered to distributor partnerships formed through peer introductions, with alumni consistently saying the biggest shift is realising they're not navigating international growth alone.
Applications are currently closed. Register your interest at apec.australia@rmit.edu.au and we'll let you know when applications open, along with eligibility details and key dates.
The APEC Women’s Business Activator Program is supported by the Australian Government and implemented by the Australian APEC Study Centre and RMIT Activator
