OAKESHOTT INDEPENDENT

WOMEN IN BUSINESS REGIONAL PROGRAM HEADS TO THE HASTINGS

Successful lobbying and a commitment of state funding will see a "Women in Business Regional Program" kick-off in Port Macquarie this April, Independent Member for Port Macquarie, Rob Oakeshott, said today.

"Women now account for a third of all small business operators in NSW and make a significant economic contribution to regional areas like ours, Mr Oakeshott said.

"This program will help local women develop their business skills, explore options to reduce costs and attract new business, and build business networks.

"Recent survey results from similar programs run in other areas in 2007 have shown that 35 per cent of participating businesses increased their turnover and 14 per cent took on new staff.

"I congratulate Gail Oxenford from the Hastings Business Women's Network and Juliet Van Oirshott from the Port Macquarie/Hastings Council for their help in delivering this program to Port Macquarie and I urge all women involved in business locally to consider the benefits of participating in this worthwhile initiative" Mr Oakeshott said.

The program will run for three months and combines business skills workshops, networking and group mentoring.

Cost is $165 per participant inclusive of GST.

For more information and to register, contact Gale Oxenford on 0432 304 714 or info@hbwn.com.au.

18 March 2008