A University of Newcastle PhD student has been named a State finalist in the Telstra Business Women's Awards.

Amanda Tocci founded the Australian Literacy Clinic (ALC) in 2004 after noting a gap in the services offered to children with learning difficulties. Having a child who shares these challenges strengthened her desire to make a difference.

The literacy specialist, with 18 years' experience in the education sector, is one of three finalists in the Commonwealth Bank Business Owner Award category.

The Australian Literacy Clinic sees more than 200 children and conducts 20 educational assessments per week. It also provides online programs to children from remote areas in NSW.

The successful business owner is undertaking her PhD in the School of Psychology focusing on the development of specific reading intervention strategies for children working with memory deficits.

The NSW winner of the Commonwealth Bank Business Award category will be announced at the Telstra Business Women's Awards in Sydney on September 24. The NSW winners will proceed to the national finals of the Telstra Business Women's Awards which will be announced in Melbourne on November 11.