BALLARAT Business Women\u2019s Group was formed in 2008 by its chair of now fourteen years, Margi Cousins.<\/p>\n
She has a passion for the continued prosperity and business growth of this region, and said the fact the group continues to not only remain active, but thriving 16 years later, is a testament to all it offers to its members.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorking in business development in Ballarat in 2008, I saw a need for women to find a comfortable forum to network and grow both personally and professionally and develop their business,\u201d Margi said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBusiness development in the region at that time was overwhelmed by the \u2018men in grey suits\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a full-time working mother and now a grandmother, Margi values the opportunities where women can support and encourage one another knowing that they balance very full professional and personal lives.<\/p>\n
What started out as lunch for 10 ladies has evolved to a business networking group of 406 subscribers and 112 members.<\/p>\n
Ballarat Business Women run a series of monthly events that all women are welcome to attend. The monthly lunch series now hosts up to 50 attendees, there is a regular breakfast and social drinks is well subscribed on a Friday evening.<\/p>\n
Members\u2019 businesses are highlighted in the monthly Ballarat Business Women\u2019s newsletter, and the group regularly offers business networking and opportunities for growth.<\/p>\n
A registered not-for-profit organisation, Ballarat Business Women\u2019s group focuses on developing two-way exchanges with members about their business needs.<\/p>\n
This helps the board to understand the requirements of existing and potential members, and to offer opportunities for growth and business development.<\/p>\n
The Ballarat Business Women\u2019s Group facilitates networking and mentoring with like-minded women.<\/p>\n
The board is comprised of volunteers that contribute their valuable time and expertise to ensure the organisation continues.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe address issues that impact women in our community, with a focus on educating, developing, and empowering women to achieve both professionally and personally,\u201d Margi said.<\/p>\n
The Ballarat Business Women\u2019s group is open to all women who own a business, or work in the Ballarat region, including women who have left the workforce but have the experience and desire to contribute.\u201d<\/p>\n
Margi is an experienced senior executive and board director with a demonstrated talent in building and leading high-performing teams.<\/p>\n
She is an engaging leader with the ability to influence and offer strategic direction, combined with a practical, hands-on approach. She has worked in government policy and advocacy and has expertise as a business consultant and careers advisor.<\/p>\n
Margi graduated with a bachelor degree and post-graduate qualifications from the University of Queensland and Federation University.<\/p>\n
She has two adult daughters that have made Ballarat their home and the place to raise their sons.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth my girls hold senior professional positions in Ballarat and are young women to be reckoned with,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n