A small group of Bega Valley business people is celebrating after catching the eye of social media giant Facebook.
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When we say small, it's only 50-members strong at last count. However, Moo - Unmeetup Far South Coast was last week gifted a $5500 grant by Facebook Australia's Groups Fund.
Facebook established the Fund to support the wellbeing of communities affected by drought, bushfires and COVID-19. The $500,000 fund provided grants to help grassroots initiatives that contribute directly to the relief and recovery of their local community.
Coordinator of Moo Simone Eyles, of Merimbula, said confirmation of the grant was "unbelievable".
She hasn't wasted any time either, using the money to book award-winning Australian musician, actor and author Clare Bowditch and her Big Hearted Business Facebook live conversation.
"It was serendipitous. All this happened last week. I'd emailed her agent and got the quote. I said I'll say yes to that and figure it out later. But the grant was unbelievable - that's what I can do now.
"Clare's talk is all about creativity, empathy. I'm sure it will resonate with a lot of our businesses here and hopefully be inspiring."
The live stream is taking place on Friday, October 9, from 9.30am, with tickets now available via Eventbrite. More details at www.facebook.com/MooThePage.
"When I saw the notice for applications I thought I'm never going to get that, but put it in anyway," Ms Eyles said of the Facebook grant process.
"I'd totally forgotten about it to be honest so getting that call was unbelievable. Facebook said it was the small groups they wanted to support as they are the ones that need the money more."
Ms Eyles is a graphic designer and entrepreneur who said she set up the business networking group "selfishly" - "so I could meet like-minded people".
"It's super casual. We meet up for drinks and talk about our businesses.
"It's all about getting together and conversation.
"I understand how important the digital presence is, but maybe you run a cafe where you make great coffee and great food, but the rest isn't your strength, and that's fine, that's what the group is for.
"The whole point of the group is not being reactive. Do the planning, be ready for changes. Knowing what you're doing and what you want is really integral to success."
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Ben Smyth
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
