TWO women with big ideas have won scholarships from the City of Wanneroo to kick-start their business.
The City awarded scholarships for Curtin University’s Ignition program to Gnangara’s Van Truong and Ainsley Brett-Matthewson, of Butler.
Mayor Tracey Roberts said it was an opportunity for the pair to receive assistance to grow profitable businesses.
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READ NOW“The City recognises the importance of local businesses within our community,” she said.
“Through the scholarships we look forward to seeing these ideas become successful products and services for use in our City, throughout Perth and perhaps even overseas.”
Ms Truong is a second-generation strawberry grower who wants to develop a digital export service to help growers sell their produce overseas.
“A lot of farmers don’t have the time or resources to research exporting options, and I hope to help them with that,” she said.
“Through the scholarship I want to network with people who are creative and who don’t simply have ideas but also know how to implement those ideas.”
Ms Brett-Matthewson’s idea was inspired by her daughter, who has autism and can not always enjoy swimming as she is unable to use tampons.
She is working on a prototype for a swimming costume for females to wear when menstruating without using a tampon.
“When I was researching the idea I couldn’t really believe something hasn’t already been invented for special needs girls,” she said.
“I’m hoping to pick the business brains in the program and get some help on driving my idea forward.”
As well as the scholarship, the winners receive a six-month membership to Wanneroo Business Association and access to local business support services.
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