Local women in business had the chance to learn what it takes to write compelling grant applications when the Women in Business Regional Network met at McLaren Vale.

The dinner, on 5 July at The Meeting Place, was the perfect opportunity to announce that the network was the recipient of a grant from Regional Development Australia Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island to further programs to help regional women in business.

The guest speaker was Paula Dickson from Lined Up Ducks, who has experience not only as a grant writer, but also as a grant provider.  

Her business assists organisations – for profit and not-for-profits – to gather data, create measurement frameworks for projects, and prepare applications for grants and tenders.

Paula’s tips were not only pertinent to grant applications, but could equally apply for award entries and applications for partnerships, collaborations and more.

Network founder Carolyn Jeffrey says the presentation was timely given the amount of grant funding opportunities available for small businesses in South Australia.

“It’s important that we have a project ready to go as we often don’t get a lot of time to prepare an application after we hear about a grant opportunity,” she says.

“Using the simple framework outlined by Paula will certainly make the process a lot easier, particularly for those who have never applied for a grant in the past.”

The next McLaren Vale chapter event will be a lunch on Wednesday 21 July at the Smiling Samoyed Brewery at Myponga, when Vasso Fessas of Sweet & Sour Coaching will speak about the importance of staying aligned to your business purpose. 

The next dinner will be on Monday 23 August, when Helen Sampson of Jagged Crow Creative will provide tips on how to use Google tools to improve digital marketing.

The Women in Business Regional Network is open to business owners, managers, staff and those dreaming of owning their own business.  You don’t have to be a member to attend events, but bookings are essential via Eventbrite.

For more information about the Women in Business Regional Network visit the website or phone Carolyn on 0435 432 203.