As part of a commitment to support women in business, Her Black Book and Samsung have announced the winners of their grant, awarding two up-and-coming female-led businesses a shared package worth $40,000.
The two innovative recipients include textile service, RCYCL, and Affordhome.com.au, an online resource for advice and assistance on buying an affordable home. As part of the package, each recipient will receive funding, technology and mentorship to help them achieve their business goals.
“We received an overwhelming response to our inaugural grant for female-led businesses, in partnership with Her Black Book,” Shaneez Johnston, Head of Corporate Affairs, Samsung Electronics Australia, said. “We were so impressed by the quality of the submissions we received and there were many very worthy entries. However, RCYCL and Afford Home stood out to us because they were innovative enterprises that also strive to make our world a better place.”
Textile recycling service RCYCL was founded by Belinda Paul, who created her business with a desire to make a positive environmental impact for the sake of her children.
“After being evacuated from the bushfires on holiday in the summer of 2019/20 and seeing ash wash up on the sand daily - six months after the bushfires, I knew there had to be a solution to helping our world somehow,” says Belinda.
By collecting old clothing, the project hopes to reduce the amount of textile waste piling up in landfills across the country, as well as collect pieces that can be repurposed into yarn for new items, including carpet underlay.
With the belief that all Australians should have access to education and support when it comes to purchasing their first home, including critical information around saving for a deposit and negotiating a home loan, Affordhome.com.au was co-founded by Helen Spira and her son Louis Foster. The online hub seeks to fill a gap by providing all that accessible information in one place, as well as giving access to support services for those that do not have the time, capacity or resources to find the ideal affordable home.
Of the grant, Spira says: “It will really help get the business off the ground and give it a public profile. My goal is to make information regarding ‘what to buy and where’ very accessible. Having the opportunity to assist women of all ages into an affordable home of their own is an aspiration and legacy not just for individual women but for our welfare and economy as a nation.”
Sali Sasi, co-creator of Her Black Book, adds: “We look forward to mentoring Belinda and Helen and share the insights my sister and business partner, Julie, and I have gained from launching and growing our own businesses.
The grant follows Samsung’s launch of its Galaxy S22 Series smartphone including the much- anticipated Galaxy S22 Ultra with S-Pen capabilities, as well as Her Black Book’s Up Close with Her Black Book, powered by Samsung Galaxy event which celebrated entrepreneurial women, inclusivity and equality. The event saw guests take part in a curated panel event with sought-after leaders in business, including Alisha Geary (CEO of Provvy, Director of Faebella – luxury activewear that incorporates indigenous artwork), Samantha Brett (Founder of sunscreen brand, Naked Sundays), Amal Wakim (Co-Founder & CEO of fitness phenomenon, Equalution; Forbes 30 under 30), and Jules Robinson (Founder of Figur and Moira Muise).
