The Women in Business Regional Network is excited to hit the road again to present in-person functions in regional areas across the state.

But the network hasn’t been resting since restrictions began in mid-March, with more than 30 online events held to ensure women in business stayed connected and supported throughout the challenging COVID-19 hibernation.

Network founder Carolyn Jeffrey says the fact that the network had been conducting online events via Zoom before COVID-19 hit meant it was easier to pivot all the physical events into virtual ones while restrictions were in place.

“COVID-19 has hit women in business particularly hard with the hospitality, health, fitness and beauty services plus retail being dominated by female business founders,” Carolyn says.

“As well, women continued to be the dominant carers for children, many of whom had to be educated at home during hibernation, making working on the business even more difficult.”

Despite this, many women have demonstrated their resilience in adapting their businesses, taking the time to learn new skills and to work on rather than in their enterprises.

“After the initial grief of being left without a big part of their life back in March, it’s been exciting to hear about what exciting ‘business butterflies’ are now emerging from their COVID cocoon,” Carolyn says.

“With many of us feeling Zoomed out by all the online interaction over the past three months, it’s really exciting to be able to organise in-person events again." 

She says there have been some challenges with organising suitable venues, but an exciting program for the first round of events will start on 1 July. The complete first round program can be found on the network’s website.

The first event will be on Wednesday 1 July at 5.30pm at The Boulevard Café in Victor Harbor, where network founder Carolyn Jeffrey will speak about opportunities in a post-COVID world.

A lunch will be held in McLaren Vale on Monday 13 July at The Smiling Samoyed, Myponga at 12.30pm. Samantha Docking will speak on Bookkeeping Strategies for the new Financial Year. 

The final Fleurieu event for July will be In Strathalbyn on Monday 27 July at 5.30pm at the Oasis Gardens and Function Centre. Sonya Lorenz will speak about Fun Facebook Marketing on a small budget.

COVID-19 precautions will be in place at all events, including taking temperatures and social distancing measures.

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.com.au.

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