EVOLVE 2026
Two afternoons in Picton, built for Wollondilly women in business. Practical help, real answers, and a room full of people who understand exactly what you're carrying.
Practical business support, right here in Wollondilly
Running a business out here can be isolating. The drive to Sydney is real, and so is the feeling of doing it all on your own.
Since 2018, the Wollondilly Empowerment Project has been our answer to that — a program that brings local women together for genuine business education, hands-on support and the kind of connections that actually go somewhere.
It's delivered by women who run their own businesses in our region, for women doing the same.
In 2026, the program evolves again. We've stripped it back to what our members told us they value most: time in the room with experienced people who can help with the specific thing you're stuck on.
Same purpose.
A fresh shape for 2026.
This year the Wollondilly Empowerment Project runs as two interactive, in-person events in Picton — one focused on one-to-one mentoring, one on getting your burning questions answered by a panel of local experts.
No nine-week commitment. No pressure. Just two well-run afternoons designed to move your business forward.
Interview & Mentoring Day
A one-to-one mentoring session with an experienced business professional. Bring a specific challenge, goal or idea, and work through it together to walk away with practical actions and a clear next step.
Sessions are timed, and each round finishes with a short group mentor share, so you get more than one perspective on the table. There's also the chance to hear directly from our experts about how they've built what they've built.
What to bring: one real business challenge you'd like help with.
The Platform Event
Held during NSW Small Business Month, The Platform Event puts a panel of local experts in the room — each representing a different corner of business.
Send in your burning business question ahead of time and we'll direct it to the right expert on the panel. Every panellist shares their own business story and their particular "superpower", and there's an open Q&A with more questions drawn from the bowl on the day.
What to bring: your business banner, business cards, and a question worth asking.
Upcoming Events
Wollondilly Empowerment Project 2026 | Interview & Mentoring SessionsWed, 16 SeptWollondilly Performing Arts Centre
Wollondilly Empowerment Project 2026 | The Platform EventWed, 14 OctWollondilly Performing Arts Centre
About the program
Who it's for
No matter where you're up to, if you're a woman running or building a business in Wollondilly, this is for you.
You've got an idea or a young business and you want practical guidance from someone who's done it, without paying for a big consulting package.
Just starting out
Already running
You're established but there's a specific thing tripping you up — pricing, marketing, systems, a decision you keep putting off. Bring it.
Ready to connect
You want an afternoon among other local women in business, real conversation, and a few new people in your corner.
Could you be one of our 2026 experts?
Every year, the Wollondilly Empowerment Project runs on the generosity of experienced local business people who give their time to help others. In 2026 we're looking for experts across a broad range of industries and skills to take part in one or both events — as a mentor, a panellist, or both.
For 2026, this is a voluntary contribution. In return, WWIB promotes you and your business through our event marketing, and you'll have the chance to share relevant follow-on services or resources with the women you help on the day.
Submitting an expression of interest doesn't automatically confirm a spot — our committee selects a balanced group of experts across different industries and experience levels, and we'll let everyone know the outcome as soon as we can.
Expressions of interest
Close Friday 28 August 2026.
Questions first?