MFAA, COSBOA announce successful She Means Business applicants

The Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) has unveiled the 10 member businesses selected for the inaugural She Means Business pilot program.

She Means Business is an initiative aimed at boosting gender diversity in the mortgage and finance broking sector.

Developed by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) and funded by the Federal Government, the program targets the persistent underrepresentation of women in broking, a figure that has hovered just below 27% for the past decade.

The pilot program, running through to March 2026, invited MFAA member brokerages from New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland with fewer than 20 employees to apply.

Participants will receive in-person mentoring, interviews, training sessions, and ongoing feedback. The goal is not only to empower current business leaders but also to inspire the next generation of women in broking.

“I’m delighted with the strong interest members have shown in this wonderful initiative,” Anja Pannek, chief executive of the MFAA, said.

“I’m sure the participants who have been selected will gain a lot from this experience, including crucial insights and skills that they can implement in their businesses. The MFAA has a firm commitment to promoting inclusivity – it drives innovation and enhances organisational performance,” she added.

COSBOA’s head of programs Nicole Walsh underscored the need to open more pathways for women in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

“She Means Business will provide us with the insights we need to ensure women can enjoy rewarding and sustainable careers in all sectors, including mortgage broking,” Walsh said.

Among the selected businesses, Tripti Goyal (pictured, left) of Melbourne’s Trusted Financial Choice called her inclusion an “incredible opportunity” to learn, upskill, and give back to the industry.

Peita Davies (pictured, right), managing director of MoneyQuest Penrith & Blue Mountains, shared her excitement about supporting the next generation in the field. “I am so thrilled about this opportunity, having worked in the industry for many years I see this as a way to give back,” said Davies.

Upon completion of the pilot, findings and insights will help inform national recommendations to advance gender diversity across industries.

The 10 MFAA member businesses selected for She Means Business are:

Queensland:

• Cara Giovinazzo, Borro

• Grant Jacques, Jacques Financial

New South Wales:

• Peita Davies, MoneyQuest Penrith & Blue Mountains

• Amanda Gleeson, MoneyQuest Orange

• Dylan Salotti, Divitis Finance

• Nicole Spiteri, Mortgage Choice

Victoria:

• Heath Brunn, BRP Finance

• Jade Fang, JKK Solutions Pty Ltd

• Tripti Goyal, Trusted Financial Choice

• Simone Ruddock, Mortgage Choice