DESPITE small businesses being hit hard, membership of Peninsula Business Networking has doubled during the COVID crisis.
The not-for-profit group’s events coordinator Kathy Edwards said the increase in numbers was due to “an influx of new start-ups on the Mornington Peninsula and established business owners wishing to extend their business relationships circles and open opportunities to attract more clients”.
There were 36 members at the PBN lunch, at Red Gum Barbecue, Red Hill on Wednesday 4 August.
“The event was part of PBN’s monthly events available for any small to medium sized business owners on the peninsula or organisations supporting small business,” Ms Edwards said.
Volunteers on the PBN committee “who are passionate about supporting local businesses” are president Merrin Munroe, secretary Rondelle Douglas, membership Nathan Rayner, treasurer Melissa McKean, Fausto Sinni and Ms Edwards.
“The idea is to have a forum where likeminded business owners can get together support each other, cross promote and open new opportunities for their business,” Ms Edwards said.
Holding events at different locations gave business owners the chance to “attend multiple events and showcase our beautiful region”.
Ms Edwards guest speakers were at breakfasts and lunches while evening events were for networking.
The next event will be a lunch on Wednesday 15 September at two venues in Sorrento: Ocean Beach Pavilion and Carmel at Sorrento.
PBN membership is $75 a year (corporate $500), details: members.peninsulabusinessnetwork.org.au
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 17 August 2021
