A growing group of savvy and creative businesswomen are realising the notorious strip's potential as a shopping destination.

The street is being transformed, with about 80 per cent of businesses now owned and run by women.

During the past 12 months alone, 10 new shops have opened their doors.

Among them is Tammy Mead, of vintage shop Recycled and Pre-Loved.

Mrs Mead said Port Kembla's affordable commercial rentals offered many small-business owners a foot in the door.

And a critical mass was starting to emerge as shop fronts that were vacant for years were filled.

"Just since I moved into my shop 11 months ago, it is really noticeable how many women are actually opening businesses on the street," Mrs Mead said.

"Women who have never opened shops before are doing it. I love the alternative aspects. Its friendly, artistic flavour is what drew us all here, and all of the business owners are very passionate about Port's revival."

Mrs Mead said a creative, nurturing community was starting to emerge.

And events such as the Billy Kart Derby were focusing the spotlight on what was happening.

Mrs Mead said momentum was building and the street was now home to a growing number of unique shops, such as Ambling Home, a boutique selling clothes made entirely from recycled vintage sheets, tablecloths and fabrics.

The trend emerging includes many previously home-based businesses branching out into their own shop fronts.

Mrs Mead said among them was Helen Duckham, of Pip Duck Australia, who chose Wentworth Street to base a successful international distribution warehouse and factory outlet store.

Mrs Duckham said many businesswomen were seeing the value and the potential of the suburb following the growing number of vintage shops, bridal boutiques, art galleries, cafes and furniture showrooms.

Jo McClelland, of Wentworth Emporium, said since she moved in 18 months ago, a lot had happened.

"There is more occupancy at the moment," she said.

"The problem here has been that businesses come and go ... and we haven't had the constant fill to get the street happening.

"But now we have a much higher occupancy along the street, and it seems to be women who are opening. There is a new lingerie shop opening its doors this week. And two new photographers and a new furniture and pre-loved store opened its doors last week. And more buildings are starting to become available for rent. The people who own the buildings are starting to get them ready for rental. There are some great cheap rentals for anyone wanting to get into business."

The suburb also has a new-look chamber with a female president in Wendy Meyers, of Plain and Simple, and a female vice-president in Renay Horton, of All Occasions Flower and Party Hire.

"We have got a new direction, which is retail, Mrs Mead said.

"It is exciting. And the chamber has a new Facebook page."