Armidale Regional Council is giving the region’s businesswomen a helping hand to coincide with this year’s International Rural Women’s Day.
Council has developed the ‘Women in Business’ grant program for female entrepreneurs living and operating businesses within the Armidale LGA, and in particular those living rurally, to take part in business and networking programs.
“International Rural Women’s day is an opportunity to celebrate the successful women living within our community, and this program is one way Council can show its support following a difficult year,” said Armidale Regional Council Interim Administrator Viv May.
The program, which has been made possible through Federal Bushfire Recovery funding, will work in collaboration with a range of businesses to hold workshops and events aimed at growing and upskilling business women in regional and rural areas.
These will teach local businesswomen about things such as social media activation, business budgeting, marketing, and business growth and development within these new times.
“Affordable opportunities and advice from experts can often be out of reach for people living in a rural or regional area,” said Mr May.
“By making these opportunities complimentary and easily accessible, Council hopes to not only support our local women, but also build the region’s business community through supporting new initiatives and projects”.
“This is also an excellent opportunity to help local businesses move towards online practices as we continue to grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Expressions of Interest for the program will be assessed against a criteria developed by external local women from a community committee, with applications closing on Thursday 12 November.
The program is funded by the $1.3-million of Federal Bushfire Recovery Funding, of which $20,000 was allocated to the initiative.
