More women in the region are being encouraged to grow successful and sustainable small businesses.
City of Greater Geelong’s Business Accelerator Scholarship Program sponsored 10 female entrepreneurs to participate in a 12-month course to pursue their commercial dreams.
Participants gained skills in business planning, marketing and financial management in a suite of workshops at council’s civic precinct Wurriki Nyal. Mentoring and networking opportunities also helped build confidence and expand professional connections.
Program graduate Sarah Anderson is now driving her photography business with purpose.
“The program gave me clarity and confidence to value my services properly, streamline my workflow and connect with other local business owners – all of which has made a real difference,” she said.
“The program has been a real turning point,” owner of Complete K9 Training Elly Mirkovic said.
“I’ve gained the confidence to structure my business, set clear goals and back the value of what I offer. Opening up a training facility has been amazing, allowing me to run more group classes and create a little community.”
Women & Community Life portfolio chair councillor Melissa Cadwell said it was important to give start-ups the best chance of success.
“Council provides a lot of support for women and small businesses with big ideas, and this program is just one of them,” she said.
Business in Heels, which ran the course, chief executive Lisa Sweeney said it was rewarding to see participants grow personally and professionally.
“It is a privilege to do this work,” she said.
“We love seeing them transform into confident business owners, collaborators in the community.”
