More than two fifths (43 per cent) of Australian business women reported that tax concessions are a key factor in reducing the environmental impact of their business, according to a survey released today by HerBusiness.
The survey conducted by HerBusiness, a national community of nearly 20,000 businesswomen, is based on the responses of 395 participants and focuses on businesswomen’s views on social, environmental, political and other topical issues impacting women. According to Suzi Dafnis, CEO of HerBusiness, minimising environmental impact is a high priority for small business as part of their corporate social responsibility.
“Our survey reveals that 23 per cent of Australian Businesswomen said that education and knowledge is a key factor in reducing the environmental impact of their business and 29 per cent said financial incentives in the form of grants would support them. Just three per cent of women said penalties would encourage them to minimise their environmental impact,” said Dafnis. “Our findings reveal that although minimising environmental impact is a priority for female small business owners, compensation through tax rebates or financial incentives would best assist them to meet obligations. The findings also reveal that businesses could also be better educated about how they can minimise their carbon footprint,”
Other key findings of the research:
- The highest proportion of participants, more than two fifths [42 per cent] reported that they were not sure if the National Broadband Network would increase their productivity. 31 per cent of women surveyed were not optimistic with just 28 per cent saying they were optimistic.
- The overall confidence of business growth was positive with 23 per cent reporting that they expected their business to increase significantly and 39 per cent reporting that they expected their business to increase marginally.
- Nearly three quarters of Australian business women are using social media as part of their marketing strategy.
- Interestingly, 13 per cent of businesswomen are using social media tools for more than 50 per cent of their marketing initiatives.
The results of HerBusiness Quarterly Index were analysed and compiled by Tribe Research. www.triberesearch.com.au .
This is the first HerBusiness Quarterly Survey. It was hosted in June 2010 and is an ongoing research project which will be undertaken by the ABN every quarter.
About HerBusiness
HerBusiness is the peak organisation supporting women in business to provide them with the skills to start, manage and grow their business. With over 20,000 members, HerBusiness caters to the largest community of women business owners and entrepreneurs in the country. HerBusiness provides training and mentoring for women across Australia. Its advocacy initiative, herVoice, was created in response to numerous requests for HerBusiness to take a leading role in public policy development, advocacy and lobbying on issues relating to Australian businesswomen and female entrepreneurs.
For more information visit: staging.abn.org.au
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