MARCH 31, 2015: REPRESENTATIVES from Whitsunday Marketing and Development Limited (WMDL) took a trip to Canberra for some information and inspiration following their successful bid for Federal Government funding.It was a pleasure to meet up with WMDL economic development co-ordinator Elouise Lamb and workforce development officer Julia Wheway while they were here to learn more about the Australian Small Business Advisory Grant of $330,000.I congratulate WMDL Economic Development Manager Denise Kreymborg on this successful grant.This is the first time WMDL has received such funding and they will use it to deliver their Whitsunday Step Up Business Programme project.The programme will provide advisory services and intensive training sessions with industry experts to people looking to start or expand a small business, and it’s available to those within the Whitsunday local government area.Ms Kreymborg said the session in Canberra on Thursday, March 26 provided a great opportunity for her team to find out what could be achieved.“The team attended the initial conference for the program and was able to hear from some guest speakers from companies like Google and MYOB to see the many possibilities,” Ms Kreymborg said.“This is a very innovative programme and we’re excited about the assistance we will be able to provide to Whitsunday businesses.”The ASBAS providers cover areas of Australia where unmet need and demand for advisory services had been identified.WMDL has also recently appointed a new Workforce Development Officer, Julia Wheway, who will focus on skills development and retention across the horticulture, cane, aquaculture and grazing industries.To find out more about the Step Up Business program contact Denise Kreymborg on 0427 933 588 or via edm@wmdl.com.au.