The Parliamentary Secretary for Trade Justine Elliot has announced the launch of a program to help Australian businesswomen get involved in international trade. The updated Women in Global Business program provides training and education, networking and trade and investment opportunities, connecting women both in Australian and overseas. The resources and activities delivered through the program will include:

• a website to act as a central platform for disseminating information, networking and linking businesswomen across Australia and overseas. The website will also deliver online services such as mentoring and webinars
• a series of networking events and seminars in locations throughout Australia and
• promotional activities to encourage more Australian businesswomen to engage in international trade and investment.

A schedule of events will be released early in 2011. The program is a cooperative project between Austrade and the governments of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT. "Businesses owned and operated by women are one of the fastest growing business segments but despite success in domestic markets they are less likely to become exporters," Elliot said. "We want to support more businesswomen to take their products and services to the world." Women interested in the program should contact Austrade on 13 28 78.