The Wheatbelt Business Network (WBN), the region’s largest business association have been strong advocates for innovation in the Wheatbelt.
The Economic Gardening Program is among eight projects to receive nearly $700,000 in grant funding through the McGowan Government’s Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants program.
“We are excited for the opportunity to foster the development and encourage diversity in businesses throughout the Wheatbelt. We aim to equip start ups and existing small businesses with the knowledge and training they need to scale and grow,” said Amanda Walker, Wheatbelt Business Network Chair.
The WBN’s Supporting the Wheatbelt Innovation Ecosystem program is built around the traditions of Economic Gardening. Economic Gardening is an entrepreneurial approach to economic development.
“It assumes that an economy can be grown from the inside, which lies closely with the WBN’s work which sees us helping business owners grow, which in turn sees their business grow and ultimately so does the community around them.”
Under the program the WBN will deliver focussed services that improve the natural entrepreneurial process at various stages of the business growth cycle.
Currently, the Wheatbelt Business Network focusses on one on one support to businesses across strategic planning, business planning, governance, human resources, marketing and a range of other areas.
“The funding will add to our current suite of business services and deliver start up support through a collaboration with Start Up WA and Mesh Points as well as focussed on businesses that have potential for growth (business retention, employment and profitability impact) utilising our partnership with Skills of the Modern Age.”
Additionally in partnership with various industry specialists, the WBN can now focus on helping high performing businesses with higher level innovation processes that have the potential to impact the culture of innovation within the Wheatbelt.
“This project will go on to strengthen services we are already providing in the Wheatbelt to have a far reaching impact upon the greater community and our WBN members. It is an exciting opportunity for Wheatbelt businesses to really harness the opportunity for growth and receive tailored solutions to their stage of business” said Caroline Robinson, Wheatbelt Business Network CEO.
Further info:
Caroline Robinson
Wheatbelt Business Network
PH 9880 8035
E eo@wheatbeltbusinessnetwork.com.au