Welcome

CBEC – MORETON BAY REGION BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CENTRE

WOMEN IN BUSINESS NETWORK

The Women in Business network has come about following the success of a previous government funded, structured mentoring program. Participants and supporters found great value in informal gatherings of like minded business women who willingly shared from their experiences, lent a compassionate listening ear, and understood the trials and tribulations of running a business, organising a family and pursuing personal goals and dreams.

They naturally offered guidance and support to fledgling ideas, and encouragement to what might appear unreachable goals. Through this arena of ‘girl power’ some women began to find their voice, others enhanced their confidence and many bravely forged ahead developing themselves, building their businesses and therefore creating a more vibrant commercial community.

In today’s global economy, high-performance businesses of all sizes and industries must constantly learn, evolve, and pursue new markets and different ways of thinking and doing business. Business-to-business relationships that provide opportunities for learning, information, networking and collaboration can also determine the difference between success and failure.

Business to business relationships can create mutual benefits for larger companies as well as smaller companies, or between firms in the economic mainstream and firms that have less access to resources.

These networking relationships provide a means for small business owners to develop relationships with other business owners who can become both teachers and role models. These informal mentors could assist small businesses by giving advice e.g. on trade shows and advertising, by helping select sales representatives and buyers, and by sharing knowledge of market trends. Often, a mentor's support of a smaller company may help persuade lenders to provide financing.

New and creative ways of working together, for business and the community, can develop from collaboration.

Business to business networking opportunities can be used to help refocus or offer specific guidance. The Women in Business Network can provide an opportunity for skilled business women to support one another, to have someone to turn to when in need advice or encouragement, someone who understands the issues you are facing and who can give you an impartial view.

Networking linkages can be a key ingredient in creating a local growth environment with broad benefits for the community.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS – COACHING PROGRAM

CBEC also offers the opportunity for one-on-one coaching for Women in Business who:

wish to start up a business, particularly, but not limited to, home-based business;
need help with increasing productivity or;
may have a particular aspect of their business that requires an outside/independent point of view or;
require guidance for a particular one-off circumstance e.g. engaging an apprentice or trainee, developing a marketing strategy, reviewing cash flow.

The WIBC Program centres on a shared commitment between, CBEC Business Coach's and women-owned/run businesses. Through an open, frank, and honest relationship, Protégés/Protege/mentorees strengths and needs are assessed, then matched with available resources to support and nurture the growth and development of the business.

Technical guidance can include most aspects of running a small business, such as marketing, merchandising, pricing, production, inventory control, accounting, long-range financial planning, or basic legal advice.

BENEFITS OF COACHING

Strategic Goal Setting
Guidance to technical advice
Enhancing managerial development
Leveraging core strengths
Assistance accessing sources of financing
Increasing marketplace credibility