More women are spearheading business ideas that are translating well in international markets, with the benefits of starting a small business in today’s digital marketplace outweighing the potential risks.

Ex-Macquarie banker Annie Slattery founded construction contract site ConX five years ago from co-working space Fishburners. ConX’s digital tool box enables the 120,000 contractors on its platform to manage their tenders, prepare cost estimates and hire a team. Ms Slattery had watched her husband grapple with running a contracting business for 10 years and knew there had to be an easier way.