VA Institute

VA Institute, led by founder Ingrid Bayer and co-director Angela Revell, was established in 2017 and is transforming the virtual business services landscape, with a strong focus on empowering women seeking career flexibility.

Bayer and Revell are seasoned professionals with more than 30 years of experience in industries like IT, legal, real estate and medical. Bayer began her journey as a Virtual Assistant from rural New South Wales in 2008, while Revell began her journey offering remote technical support in the late 1990s from a small town on the North West Coast of Tasmania, both from home offices. Their passion for supporting women and extensive business expertise led to the creation and growth of VA Institute - a platform offering education, training and ongoing support for women in the virtual business space.

VA Institute provides practical resources for startups and established freelancers. Ingrid’s vision is to equip women with the tools to succeed in the virtual workforce, offering programs grounded in real-world experience to help them build sustainable businesses. Through VA Institute, Bayer’s mission is to help women break free from toxic workplaces and achieve the work-life balance they deserve.

We’re not just creating businesses; we’re empowering women to rewrite their stories and live on their terms.

A key milestone for VA Institute was winning the Telstra Best of Business Awards Tasmanian Accelerating Women Award. "It’s an incredible privilege and recognition of what we’ve achieved," Ingrid shared. The award has boosted credibility and exposure, amplifying VA Institute’s impact and inspiring other women. It has also fostered connections with like-minded entrepreneurs, showcasing the potential of women-driven innovation.

VA Institute’s work has had a profound ripple effect. With over 2,000 women trained, many transitioning from high-stress environments, the institute has transformed careers, often turning introverts into confident business owners. Annual events, retreats and networking opportunities provide a supportive community for personal and professional growth, helping women focus on strategic business development while building lifelong friendships.

Looking ahead, Bayer and Revell remain committed to expanding VA Institute’s mission. While exploring offshore markets, the business is focused on solidifying its success in Australia. "We are not just a business; we are creating a movement" Angela says. With the right support, VA Institute continues to trailblaze new paths, proving that women can thrive in the virtual business world.

VA Institute was named the Tasmanian Accelerating Women Award Winner at the Telstra Best of Business Awards.