about WIBB
WOMEN INSPIRING BETTER BUSINESS
WIBB is a not for profit organisation with the aim of creating a supportive network that strengthens relationships by uniting and inspiring women in business.
WIBB encourage women from all walks of life and all occupations - from business owners to homemakers, to come together to build networks and personal connections for the benefit of all women.
“ WIBBS has been a welcome organisation for women in the networking landscape of the Midwest region. It gives women in business a monthly event where we can network, share and seek advice from a variety of women, from a diverse range of business and backgrounds. I have personally enjoyed the many speakers, the Sundowners, and Expo’s that WIBBS have put on over the time it has been running. I have been able to sponsor WIBBS in the past, and would do so again to ensure that we don’t lose this wonderful organisation. I even forgive Barb Thompson for putting me out of my comfort zone, and telling me I am presenting at a Breakfast, whether I like it or not! “
VIKI FENNELL
INSURANCE BROKER, NEXUS RISK SERVICES
the history
OF WIBBS
RDA Mid West Gascoyne took up the baton to keep the popular Geraldton networking group, Women Inspiring Better Business - fondly referred to as WIBBs- from going under, when the Small Business Centre Mid West closed its doors in 2015. It originally consisted only 4 women.
RDA Midwest Gascoyne Coordinator Barbara Thompson, an avid networker, took over the reins and management of this event until its future could be determined.
The first WIBB breakfast got off to a fantastic start in 2015, when more than 70 Geraldton business women and special guest, Federal Minister for Durack, Melissa Price, gathered at the Spalding Park Golf Club to hear guest speaker and TV star, Geraldton contestant Karina Day from the popular House Rules renovation show, give a frank and amusing account of her journey through the experience.
From this point on, a new initiative for WIBB was to seek sponsorship. This was pledged generously by the Mid West community and enabled the continued growth of this popular networking organisation.
Since coming under the umbrella of the RDA Mid West Gascoyne, a working committee has been established taking this group to where it is now as an established not-for-profit incorporated body.
With events hosted once a month over breakfast, WIBB showcases different local venues, businesses and caterers with around 80 to 90 women now regularly participating.
WIBBs meetings and venues create warm and inspiring gatherings for women across all industry sectors including small home-based businesses to large corporates and government agencies that all network together.
This has proved to be particularly good for many home-based businesses, as it creates an opportunity for women to network with others as operating at home can be lonely and isolating at times.
WIBBs provides an opportunity for women to promote networks for better economic and social development across the region.
WIBBs has heard from internationally-acclaimed presenters on topics such as domestic violence - where Wibbs partnered with Desert Blue Connect, an organisation that services and supports women affected by domestic violence, including operating a women’s refuge.
Two very successful WIBB’s Business Expos - a spin-off from the WIBBs breakfast have been held, showcasing local women’s businesses.
WIBBs has responded to invitations to share its story and work with other regional towns due to its demonstrated success in networking.
WIBBs have also travelled to Carnarvon and Dongara with amazing turn outs and its success even inspired Dongara to create their own WIBBs group.
