Migrant Women in Business (MWIP)

Date: 27 June 2024

We spoke with Luz Restrepo, co-founder of Migrant Women in Business, based in Maldon.

You are a co-founder of Migrant Women in Business. Can you tell us why you started the organisation and what MWIB does?

Becoming a business owner offers migrant women a path to empowerment. Entrepreneurship means leadership for migrant women because it requires us to articulate our ideas, defend our rights, and raise our voices. This is why Corinne Kemp and I founded Migrant Women in Business Pty Ltd (MWiB) in June 2020. Since then, our National Business Network has connected over 230 migrant women to collaborate, educate, and support each other in building sustainable businesses. We provide networking, co-branding, media exposure, and advocacy.

Made by Many HANDS (MbMH) is our multivendor marketplace (similar to Etsy) and it includes a business desk to support migrant women with varying levels of English, digital, and business literacy. It features products from over 70 migrant women, fostering collaboration and exploring wholesale and corporate opportunities.

Now, MWiB is transitioning to a cooperative model, opening new opportunities for migrant women business owners. With a strong foundation, it’s the right time for them to become leaders in the organisation and for us to become their mentors.

You have been an active member of the Maldon business community for some time. What has been a local highlight for you?

 Since moving permanently to Maldon in 2021, I have been exploring ways to encourage migrants to move to the region. I quickly realised that the first step was to engage deeply with the community, especially the local businesses. To this end, I joined Maldon Inc. and served on its committee for a year. Through this involvement, I gained a deeper appreciation for the town's uniqueness, its rich history, and its historic buildings. Most importantly, I connected with the people and leaders who are dedicated to preserving Maldon's legacy and sharing it with both tourists and locals.

During my time with Maldon Inc., I met Jamie Heffernan from Maldon Getaway, a business leader whose generosity and welcoming approach helped me connect with other passionate and knowledgeable business owners. Working with him, we revealed a new business opportunity: by connecting these business owners with their peers, we can create a robust support system that enhances the economic well-being of the town and the region.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a similar business?

 As small and micro business owners, we have power and a voice. Working together amplifies our impact and opens doors for us and future generations. Never underestimate the power of collaboration and mutual support. Together, we are strong!

Do you have any plans for the future you would like to share?

 At the beginning of this year, following the success of the Maldon Business Expo that Jamie and I organised, I met Jess Getty, a newcomer to the town who brings her expertise as an app developer specialising in user-friendly digital tools. Our collaboration led to the creation of Village Business, a social enterprise dedicated to fostering united, skilled, and welcoming business communities in small towns with populations of less than 10,000 people.

We achieve this by curating events and developing digital tools that help small-town business owners connect and collaborate effectively.

You are invited to join our upcoming event, The Village Business Expo, on October 8th from 11:00am to 5:00pm at the Maldon Golf Club. We aim to connect 300 business owners from 20 small towns in the Loddon Campaspe area. Additionally, as business owners, you can join our Village Business Portal, a private B2B platform that profiles businesses, encourages collaborations, and promotes mutual growth.