Three facts say it all:

1. Studies show that if women had access to equal resources, women-founded businesses would generate a return of 78 cents per dollar invested– more than double the 31 cents returned by male-founded start-ups.
2. In Australia, raising female entrepreneurship to parity with men could contribute $71–$135 billion to the economy– equivalent to 5.1–9.7% of GDP.
3. Women account for just 27% of foundersamong new Australian start-ups. The OECD estimates there are 34.1 million ‘missing entrepreneurs’ across its member nations, nearly three-quarters of whom are women.

Our analysis finds that the Decadal Plan carries significant promise for making the Australian economy more inclusive, innovative and prosperous. This far-sighted proposal would strengthen the pipeline of successful female founders, producing a new kind of demographic dividend  – one that draws on the resourcefulness and ingenuity of half of Australia’s population.

The Plan’s recommendations would advance Australia’s economic potential on three fronts: expanding labour force participation by dismantling barriers for female founders; lifting productivity by fostering greater innovation and risk-taking; and creating employment opportunities for underemployed and under-represented groups across our society.