Finance

Thirty-four female-founded businesses have been chosen to receive funding from the Boosting Female Founders Initiative after a Round 3 selection process.

As businesses at home and abroad are preparing to celebrate the Lunar New Year, here are some notable facts and figures regarding Australia's relationship with major trading partner China.

As Australian businesses seek to capitalise on positive energy, an understanding of major trends and events in the region will prove pivotal for success.

Among China’s traditional holidays and celebrations, none ranks higher in importance than the Lunar New Year. This Lunar New Year, which falls on February 10, is the Year of the Dragon.

An inquiry found inflation, questionable pricing practices, a lack of market competition and unrestricted price setting by retailers are to blame for fuelling the increases.

Grants of $10,000 to $25,000 are up for grabs for small and medium-sized businesses to upgrade to more energy-efficient equipment.

The Taylor Swift economy is a global powerhouse -- one that is now touching local craft shops as Swifties clamour to make friendship bracelets for the Australian leg of the Era's Tour

The program developed through the partnership will address the challenges faced by First Nations youth including a lack of access to local role models, resources and culturally nuanced learning. 

The RBA has kept interest rates on ice in a widely expected move that will be welcomed by financially strained borrowers.

While the government has come under fire for breaking an election commitment to leave the Stage 3 tax cuts untouched, the opposition is expected to cement some form of support for the changes at a joint party room meeting.

Angry shoppers will have a chance to have their say on supermarket prices and the effect it has on their household budgets as part of a new inquiry. 

The rate of inflation may be slowing but price increases across hard-to-avoid expenses, such as insurance and housing, are keeping pressure on hip pockets.