Australia's nine most influential female entrepreneurs 2018

Women still make up a minority of entrepreneurs, but they are gaining ground quickly.

In Australia women represent only 34 per cent of entrepreneurs, but the number of female entrepreneurs is growing at a faster rate than for men.

With 'Press for Progress' as the theme of International Women's Day for 2018, Small Business Minister Craig Laundy says more change is needed.

"While there have been positive developments in the overall participation of women in Australian entrepreneurship and business, we want to see those numbers increase further," he says.

Small business and family enterprise ombudsman Kate Carnell says there are great role models around for female entrepreneurs but barriers remain.

"We still have the issue of access to capital and women who have grown a small successful business, giving them the confidence to grow them to large successful businesses," she says.

Ahead of International Women's Day on Thursday we've put together a panel comprising Laundy, Carnell and Grace Papers founder Prue Gilbert to nominate the most influential female entrepreneurs in Australia.

Here are Australia's nine most influential female entrepreneurs for 2018: Read more