• Posted on 24 Mar 2021
  • 4-minute read

A new $25,000 scholarship aimed at addressing the gender imbalance in the Australian start-up sector has been awarded to two aspiring female entrepreneurs.

UTS Women in Entrepreneurship Scholarship recipients Sophie Ritchie and Elaine Nasr
UTS Women in Entrepreneurship Scholarship recipients Sophie Ritchie and Elaine Nasr.

UTS postgraduate business students Sophie Ritchie and Elaine Nasr havebeen awarded the inaugural UTS Women in Entrepreneurship Scholarship.

The scholarship, created in 2020, aims to redress the gender imbalance in Australian startups by supporting aspiring entrepreneurs in undertaking a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship (MBAe), or the Executive Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship (EMBAe) from mid-2021, at the UTS Business School, a unique program designed to provide entrepreneurs and innovators with the skills, networks and confidence to launch their own startup ventures.

This scholarship will allow me to pursue my dreams in building a purposeful business that teaches Australian children STEM-based subjects through play. Elaine Nasr, 2021 Women in Entrepreneurship Scholarship recipient

The scholarship has been made possible by the generous philanthropic support of UTS alumnus Ajay Bhatia, Managing Director at Carsales Australia. Bhatia says he has been thrilled to help provide opportunities for candidates who possess a willingness to reinvest in advancing the cause of women in entrepreneurship and are likely to create a successful business venture with jobs in Australia.

“Both Elaine and Sophie have the drive, talent and passion to build a great business. Further, they are both committed to continuing to invest in the cause,” Bhatia says.

”I am delighted that we have found such talented candidates for the scholarship. I wish for of them all the best for the MBAe program and for their ventures.”

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Female founders make up only 22% of the Australian startup ecosystem, according to a recent Startup Muster survey, which provides a comprehensive snapshot of the Australian startup sector.

Both Sophie and Elaine are looking forward to the opportunities presented by the scholarship, as well as the practical knowledge and industry connections that are central to the MBAe program.

“The scholarship will act as a crucial catalyst in helping me achieve my educational and professional goals – both in my current role at UTS Rapido, and in entrepreneurial ventures in the future,” Sophie says.

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Descriptive transcript

Of the top 300 companies here in Australia, only 6% have women as their CEOs. Female entrepreneurs face many obstacles. One of the top concerns is the lack of funding. I'm personally very proud to announce a $25,000 scholarship for a female student to join the University of Technology Sydney in pursuing an MBA in entrepreneurship. I'm looking for a candidate who has the drive to create a business that creates many jobs here in Australia. A candidate who, when in a position to give back, can continue the chain and get more students sponsored or support the entrepreneurial framework here in Australia. With our world impacted by COVID-19, a lot is going to change. Entrepreneurs are good at seizing these opportunities that change provides. They are the ones who can create the competitive advantage for Australia in a post-COVID-19 world. If you're one of those who wants to apply, please go to the UTS Business School website and have a look at the MBA in entrepreneurship.

“The support from both the donor, Mr Bhatia, and the UTS Business School, will allow me to pursue my dreams in building a purposeful business that teaches Australian children STEM-based subjects through play. The scholarship will also assist me with continuing my MBAe studies, where I am learning how to build a strong business foundation that can scale with impact.” Elaine adds.

The UTS EMBA in Entrepreneurship is a unique program specifically designed for entrepreneurs and innovators, with a focus on developing best practice knowledge of entrepreneurship and innovation management. Within the program students learn how to identify and commercialise opportunities, apply start-up methods to develop products and services, seek support and funding for ventures, and scale entrepreneurial organisations.

Further details about the new scholarship can be found here.

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