Nigel McKinnon Regional Director of NSW Trade & Investment thanked Illawarra ITeC for delivering the program on behalf of the Department.
“The Wollongong Women in Business Mentoring Program helped the business women plan a growth strategy and tackle the challenges facing their businesses,” Mr. McKinnon said.
“The graduates increased their first hand knowledge of the energetic businesses operating in the Illawarra.
“The women come from businesses across a wide range of industries and I extend my congratulations to each of the graduates.
“Regional businesswomen make a significant economic contribution to their communities especially across the Illawarra,” Mr McKinnon said.
Illawarra ITeC Business Development Manager Virginia Wren said the Women in Business Mentoring Program helps improve business development, confidence and networking.
“Many friendships are forged during the program and lots of business-to-business sales gained,” she said.
Angie Bokenham of Whereabout Bookkeeping said the program differs to others she previously taken part in.
“I am answerable to my mentor more intently than in previous programs, and am more closely monitored by my mentor,” Ms Bokenham said.
“I set the goals for the business and therefore the onus is on me to work harder to achieve them.
“This can be extremely challenging, but it is designed to push me beyond my comfort zone.
Virginia Wren said the Women in Business Mentoring Program challenges participants.
“Being in business can be isolating especially if you are a home based business.
“The women who took part in the program said it is great to have a business mentor all to themselves; someone with whom they could brain storm ideas with and talk about the pressures of being a woman and being in business,” Virginia Wren said.
The 17 graduates are-
- Jan Haley of Kids Skylark Karen Boyle of Back in Black
- Kerrie Exner Iwanski of All Care Computer Services
- Angie Bokenham of Whereabout Bookkeeping
- Odette Goodwin of Smarter Building P/L
- Pam Howard of Australian Recreation and Education Tours
- Sarah Goodwin of Boost Juice Wollongong Centre
- Luciana Ferrini of LF Accounting and Business Services
- Julie Core of Green Poppy P/L
- Francine Bishop of Mayvin Training Institute P/L
- Julie Rollinson of Drab2Fab
- Terri King of Bakers Delight
- Meagan Donnelly of Graham Chegwidden Solicitors and Barristers
- Megan Devine of Smillie & Devine P/L
- Nadine Campbell of Asha Holistic Health
- Rebecca Moore of Mary Kay Cosmetics
- Pip Atkins of Mindfully Done
