The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) is proud to announce the national expansion of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (VCCI) Chamber Change, a pioneering women-in-business program designed to support aspiring female leaders and business owners.
The Chamber Change: Small Business initiative will be piloted across state and territory chambers between July 2025 and January 2026. This expansion forms one of three key areas of activity within ACCI's broader Breaking Barriers, Changing Cultures through Women's Ownership and Leadership initiative, which also includes education, thought leadership, and Australia's premier Women in Small Business Summit. Breaking Barriers, Changing Cultures is backed by the Federal Government's Advancing Gender Equality in Gender Segregated Industries grant program.
ACCI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said the national rollout represents a transformative step in strengthening women's workforce participation and leadership.
"At ACCI, we are committed to fostering greater economic participation and leadership opportunities for women across Australia. Through our Breaking Barriers, Changing Cultures initiative, we are providing women with the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to build their own businesses, especially in industries where women are underrepresented," said Mr McKellar.
Originally developed by VCCI, Chamber Change was shortlisted as a finalist in the World Chambers Competition in the Gender Equity category at the 13th World Chambers Congress in Geneva.
Project Lead and ACCI Director of Skills, Employment and Small Business Jodie Trembath said the expansion will build on the program's success.
"This initiative is about real, tangible change - empowering women to take that exciting but often complex step into business ownership, especially in sectors where they have traditionally faced challenges," Dr Trembath said.
"The national rollout of Chamber Change is a testament to the program's impact in Victoria. With the support of the Federal Government, we're excited to collaborate with chambers across Australia to create an environment where women-led businesses can thrive."
ACCI and VCCI will work closely to adapt the program to the needs of women-led small businesses across the country, ensuring more women have access to the leadership development, mentorship, and support they need to succeed.
Victorian Chamber Chief of Staff Chanelle Pearson, who oversees Chamber Change, thanked the Federal Government for its investment and ACCI for its leadership.
"Chamber Change has empowered and inspired 450 businesswomen across metropolitan and regional Victoria, with many participants telling us the program has literally changed their lives.
"We are delighted to have the opportunity to take our globally recognised program across the nation to help drive stronger workforce participation for women, particularly in small business.
"The Victorian Chamber also extends its thanks to our incredible Champions - the inspiring leaders who drive Chamber Change - for their selfless and generous contributions to empowering, mentoring, and supporting the next generation of female leaders."
Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra also acknowledged the vital role played by ACCI and the Victorian Chamber Boards.
"This is a major milestone for the Victorian Chamber, and it wouldn't have been possible without the ongoing support of our Board. I want to particularly acknowledge our Chamber Change Champions on the Board: Carlene Wilson, Clare McCartin, Kate Mannix and Jacqui Savage. Special thanks also go to our President, Adrian Kloeden, whose unwavering support has helped drive this program's success."
"Chamber Change was designed to inspire females to continue their leadership journey at whatever level they are in an organisation. The more females that progress to senior levels, the more opportunities there will be for talented females to become CEOs and Board members. Chamber Change is delivering on that, and we couldn't be prouder of the program and its participants."
