Women in Social Enterprise (WISE) have received a $25,000 grant to run confidence, financial literacy and business skills programs for disadvantaged and marginalised Lismore and Northern Rivers women.

The first WISE initiative will be a networking event at the Lismore Regional Gallery on August 29 called Social Impact! Lismore.

It will bring together businesses, organisations, service providers, professionals and community members committed to supporting lasting positive change.

WISE coordinator Susanna Carpi said the goal of Social Impact! Lismore was to start a bigger conversation.

“[It’s] about how Lismore can grow stronger together, work on the big issues in a cohesive way, and openly share ideas, opportunities and resources for sustained social impact,” Ms Carpi said.

“At WISE, our focus is on the wellbeing of women, and we acknowledge that the interconnectedness and community spirit in Lismore is our strength and greatest opportunity for a robust caring community for everyone.”

In early September, WISE will launch the Women in Self Employment program for women who are thinking of or are in the early stages of starting a business.

WISE is a project of Northern Rivers Women and Children’s Services (NORWACS), a grass roots Lismore organisation with a history of supporting women for over 25 years. 

General manager Mary Willis said NORWACS was one of only 16 organisations to be funded through the Investing in Women Funding Program out of nearly 200 applications.

For more information check out the WISE Women in Social Enterprise Facebook page or contact Susanna Carpi at Susanna.Carpi@norwacs.org.au or 0401 956 710.