WBN SEED
Eight businesses attended WBN SEED in Corrigin in February with Illuminum. The one day workshop focused on building a sustainable business model with an understanding of financials first. Participants used Venture Cast business software and will receive mentoring over the next few months to support their learnings. RNIF funding was used to establish this program and it is now part of our ongoing service delivery.
WBN GROW
We have mentored nearly 20 small to medium businesses over the past 9 months in a unique program called WBN GROW. It is centred on 30, 60 and 90 day action plans and aims to move businesses from an operational mind set to a strategic one. REDS funding was used to establish this program and it is now part of our ongoing service delivery.
WHEATBELT BUSINESS DIRECTORY
The WBN now has an online business directory of over 1800 businesses in the region. We are currently in the process of improving the profile and capabilities of this directory for members.
WHEATBELT BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2020
Applications close on March 20th 2020. Please encourage businesses that you know and that are doing impressive things to apply on our website or forward their name and we will contact them. Plus we have a people’s choice category for your favourite business!
10YR ANNIVERSARY – SAVE THE DATE
2020 marks 10yrs of the WBN. Established in March 2010 we have grown from our initial membership in Merredin to over 300 members across the Wheatbelt. A gala dinner will be held on Saturday 2 May 2020 in Merredin alongside the Wheatbelt Business Excellence Awards.
BUSINESS BENCHMARKING
The WBN is embarking on a business sentiment survey and a benchmarking tool for Wheatbelt businesses to use. Both tools will assist businesses in decision making. We are seeking partners for this project.
WBN EVENTS
We have scheduled 9 months of professional development workshops and business networking events for 2020. Our focus this year is on human resources, building management skills and digital capacity. The events calendar is available on our website.
PROCUREMENT
We are in communication with the Wheatbelt Local Content Officer (under DPIRD). In the coming year the WBN would like to focus its attention on helping businesses into local contracts, building tender writing skills in businesses and reducing red tape.