Australian entrepreneurship was once a male-dominated arena. Not anymore! In 2025, women are no longer just participating in the entrepreneurial landscape—they are dominating it, innovating at scale, and inspiring the world with their resilience and ingenuity.
From tech and fashion to real estate and education, female entrepreneurs in Australia are not only competing with their male counterparts but often surpassing them. While gender equity in entrepreneurship still has room to grow, it’s clear that the next generation of business leaders will include more women than ever before.
In this article, we spotlight the Top 10 Influential Women Entrepreneurs Making waves in 2025, ranked by their net worth, who are making waves across industries and breaking boundaries. These trailblazing women are changing the face of business and serving as role models for aspiring female founders everywhere.
1. Melanie Perkins (Co-founder & CEO, Canva)
Net Worth: $13.18 billion (combined with Cliff Obrecht)
Crowned one of Forbes’ “Top Under 30 Founders of the Decade,” Melanie Perkins is Australia’s most successful female entrepreneur—and with good reason. As the co-founder and CEO of Canva, she has revolutionized the design world by making high-quality design accessible to everyone.
Founded in 2013, Canva has grown into one of the world’s largest online design platforms. By 2023, Canva was valued at $40 billion. The company expanded globally, opening new offices in Melbourne, Austin, and London. With a global team of over 4,000 people, Canva is also set to launch a flagship Sydney campus in 2026.
Perkins’ ability to scale Canva while maintaining its core vision has made her not only a tech mogul but a beacon of innovation for entrepreneurs across the globe.
2. Katie Page (CEO, Harvey Norman Holdings)
Net Worth: $2.91 Billion
Katie Page has spent more than two decades at the helm of Harvey Norman Holdings, turning the retail giant into a multi-billion-dollar empire. Managing over 300 stores—including a new flagship in the UK—Page is a powerful figure in the retail industry.
Beyond business, she is a champion of women in sports, having been the first woman on the National Rugby League (NRL) board and the founder of the NRL’s ‘Women in League’ initiative. In 2021, she was inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame.
Katie Page is not just a business leader—she’s a cultural icon whose influence extends far beyond retail.
3. Naomi Milgrom (CEO, Sussan Group)
Net Worth: $1.15 Billion
As the head of ARJ Holdings—home to iconic Australian brands Sussan, Sportsgirl, and Suzanne Grae—Naomi Milgrom is a fashion mogul with a rich legacy. Her entrepreneurial journey began in the world of tech, founding a computer book publishing company and a video game studio in the 1980s.
Under her leadership, ARJ Holdings has become a powerhouse in women’s fashion retail. Milgrom is also a dedicated philanthropist, known for promoting mental health and cultural innovation through the Naomi Milgrom Foundation and the iconic MPavilion architectural initiative.
She’s not only shaping Australian fashion but also its cultural landscape.
4. Kayla Itsines (Co-founder, SWEAT App)
Net Worth: $165 Million
From a gym in Adelaide to dominating the global fitness tech industry, Kayla Itsines is the co-founder of SWEAT—one of the most successful fitness apps in the world. In 2016, SWEAT generated more revenue than any other fitness app globally.
Alongside her then-partner Tobi Pearce, Itsines built a digital empire that inspires millions of women to pursue health and fitness. Her story shows how powerful mobile apps can be for scaling personal brands into multimillion-dollar businesses.
Itsines has redefined what it means to be a fitness entrepreneur in the digital age.
5. Sarina Russo (Founder, Sarina Russo Group)
Net Worth: $267 Million
Sarina Russo turned career setbacks into a launchpad for success. After being fired from eight jobs, she founded the Sarina Russo Group, now one of Australia’s largest education, training, and employment organizations.
Her company spans continents, with offices in China, India, Vietnam, the UK, and Australia, helping over 85,000 people secure employment. With a focus on education and career development, Russo is a global force in vocational training and recruitment.
In 2018, she was recognized by Ernst & Young as their Champion of Entrepreneurship for the Northern Region—a well-deserved accolade for her impact.
6. Janine Allis (Founder, Boost Juice & Retail Zoo)
Net Worth: $66 Million+
When Janine Allis started selling juice from her home kitchen in 2000, she never imagined her idea would become a global sensation. Today, Boost Juice operates more than 550 stores worldwide and is part of Retail Zoo, which also owns Salsa’s Fresh Mex Grill, Betty’s Burgers, and Cibo Espresso.
Janine has also made her mark on television as a boardroom advisor on The Celebrity Apprentice Australia. Her book The Accidental Entrepreneur chronicles her remarkable journey.
From home-grown juice bars to international fame, Janine Allis embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience.
7. Maxine Horne (Founder, Vita Group)
Net Worth (CEO Compensation): AUD 1.47 Million | Company Revenue: $773 Million
Maxine Horne is the founder of Vita Group, a communications and beauty company that has consistently generated over $700 million annually. Starting with a single retail store on the Gold Coast, she expanded Vita Group to over 130 locations nationwide.
Her accolades include the QBR Businesswoman of the Year (2006), EY Entrepreneur of the Year (2014), and Courier Mail Business Person of the Year (2019). In 2021, Horne sold Vita Group’s Telstra stores for $110 million and pivoted toward beauty and wellness ventures.
Horne’s ability to thrive in high-growth, competitive markets makes her a true role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
8. Leslie Gillespie (Co-founder, Bakers Delight)
Net Worth (Company Revenue): $600 Million+
Leslie Gillespie transformed a single bakery into Bakers Delight, a global chain with over 700 locations across Australia, New Zealand, the U.S., and Canada. Her company is a staple in communities and a prime example of how humble beginnings can lead to global recognition.
In 2006, she was awarded the Order of Australia for her service to the community. Today, her daughter, Elise Gillespie, and son-in-law David Christie manage the business while Leslie focuses on philanthropy, including her work with Breast Cancer Network Australia.
Gillespie proves that you can build a thriving business and still give back to the community in meaningful ways.
9. Charlotte Vidor (Co-founder, Toga Group)
Net Worth (Company Revenue): $285 Million+
Charlotte Vidor co-founded Toga Group with her husband, Ervin, in the 1960s, starting with a small Sydney hotel. Today, the company owns prominent hotel brands including Adina, Medina, Travelodge, and Rendezvous.
In 2013, the Toga Group entered into a $450 million joint venture with Singapore-based Far East Orchard, extending its reach across Europe and Asia. Charlotte was honoured in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours for her service to tourism and multicultural communities.
Her vision and international expansion efforts have made Toga a major player in the hospitality industry.
10. Catriona Wallace (Founder, Flamingo AI)
Net Worth: $8.34 Million
Dr. Catriona Wallace is a pioneer in ethical artificial intelligence. Her company, Flamingo AI, was one of the first AI tech companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. With a PhD in Organizational Behaviour and leadership roles at the Gradient Institute and Ethical AI Advisory, Wallace is deeply committed to responsible innovation.
Her company has secured deals with major financial institutions like HSBC and Nationwide. In 2023, she also became one of the newest ‘Sharks’ on Shark Tank Australia.
As one of the few female experts in AI, Wallace is pushing the boundaries of technology while championing ethical business practices.
Outlook
From billion-dollar valuations to global empires, these ten remarkable women are rewriting the rules of entrepreneurship in Australia. They’re not just building successful businesses—they’re influencing industries, empowering communities, and inspiring the next generation of female founders.
As we continue into 2025, the spotlight on female entrepreneurship will only grow brighter. These women are proof that with determination, vision, and leadership, anything is possible. Whether you’re just starting or scaling your business, let their journeys serve as a roadmap—and a reminder—that women are not just participating in the business world—they’re leading it.
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