In the words of iconic Australian songwriter Paul Kelly, “From little things big things grow” – and that’s exactly how one could describe Women in Business Mornington Peninsula.
Having started as a little idea back in 2021 to create a program that allows Peninsula businesswomen to collaborate, problem solve, and support and inspire each other, WiB MP has just celebrated a second year of collective impact during its annual general meeting at one of its member businesses, Penni Ave Distillery in Rye.
WiB MP chair Melissa Goffin acknowledged the association had much to be thankful for both within the member network and the Mornington Peninsula community. “WiB is incredibly grateful to be centred in the power of connection and understands having women across our important political and economic systems is so critical to finding our way through all of what is now and what is yet to come,” Melissa said. “We are not just a collective of networking businesses, but women driven to create change and to positively impact our community and beyond.”
From its initial 35 members, WiB has grown 46 per cent in membership and now has 51 incredible female members who share a vision of bettering the lives of women in their community as a whole and creating a stronger, more resilient future for female-led business owners within the region.
“Our programs have continued to establish themselves and thrive this past year, from the building blocks of governance to building capacity and advocacy,” Melissa said. “Underpinning each of these programs is our Force for Good mandate that means we’re not just partnering with impact-driven businesses and leaders but doing the work ourselves.”
This year the WiB MP board decided to enshrine 10 per cent of all revenue from events to its dedicated partner charities: Kara House, which provides crisis support for women and families experiencing family violence; and The Women’s Spirit Project, which inspires and transforms women experiencing disadvantage. Through member connections and a shared desire to ‘do good work’, WiB was able to help facilitate a donation of goods from Kip&Co, a prestigious homewares label and member business, to WiB partner charity Kara House.
Kip&Co founder Alex McCabe said: “We often partner with crisis accommodation centres to donate goods and I recalled Melissa had mentioned WiB and their support for Kara House, so I got in touch. We quickly connected with Kara House and Kip&Co was able to gift a range of items to support families in crisis.”
“We are all connected, be it through business, ethics, community, or purpose, and being a force for good is one of the main drivers behind who we are and what we do,” Melissa said. “This is just one example of the many ways our members support their community, and we look forward to continued growth and positive impact.”
If you would like to know more about WiB MP, please visit www.womeninbusiness.org.au
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