BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//ChamberMaster//Event Calendar 2.0//EN METHOD:PUBLISH X-PUBLISHED-TTL:P3D REFRESH-INTERVAL:P3D CALSCALE:GREGORIAN BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20261210T140000Z DTEND:20261210T170000Z X-MICROSOFT-CDO-ALLDAYEVENT:FALSE SUMMARY:2026 S.M.A.R.T. Networking: Canva Basics DESCRIPTION:A strong grant application starts long before you begin writing the proposal it starts with a clear\, well-developed business plan.\n\n\n\nJoin us for S.M.A.R.T. Networking: Grant Writing\, an interactive workshop led by Jo Anne Miller\, Executive Director of Brook Hill Farm\, designed to help organizations build the foundation needed to pursue grant funding with confidence.\n\n\n\nDuring this hands-on session\, participants will spend the first half of the workshop developing or strengthening a business plan by identifying key organizational goals\, priorities\, and strategies that can be used time and time again. The second half will focus on applying that business plan to grant applications while covering grant writing fundamentals\, what funders look for\, and practical tips for submitting stronger proposals.\n\n\n\nWhether you're new to grant writing or have applied for funding before\, this workshop will provide valuable tools you can use well beyond a single grant opportunity. You'll leave with a stronger understanding of how to position your organization for success and a framework that can support future funding efforts.\n\n\n\nSeats are limited\, and the interactive format is designed to give participants time to work through the process alongside peers and receive guidance throughout the morning.\n\n\n\nRegister today to start building a stronger foundation for your next grant application.\n\n\n\nNote: Due to CVCC Bedford Center classes being in session on December 10\, guests are requested to park on Venture Boulevard to ensure students have priority parking. Guests who require mobility accommodations may park in the Bedford Center parking lot or be dropped off in front of the building.\n\n\n\nAbout Our Facilitator\n\n\n\nJo Anne Miller has formally served as Executive Director of Brook Hill Farm since 2010\, bringing a diverse background in education and corporate management. A retired adjunct professor of Equine Science at Randolph College\, she holds a degree in education and certifications as both a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning.\n\n\n\nJo Anne has presented at national and international conferences on topics such as grant writing\, equine business\, equine welfare\, and equine-assisted therapies\, and serves on numerous national and international boards and committees. In addition to successfully writing competitive grant proposals\, Jo Anne regularly reviews grant applications and serves on committees that award grant funding\, giving her valuable insight into what makes an application stand out.\n\n\n\nAbout S.M.A.R.T. Networking\n\n\n\nThe Bedford Area Chamber's S.M.A.R.T. (Seeking Mutual Advancement through Resources & Topics) Networking series turns member feedback into action. Each session is inspired by topics requested directly by Chamber members and led by subject-matter experts who bring real-world insight and practical strategies to help local professionals grow.\n\n\n\nThese sessions aren't just presentations! They're interactive\, discussion-based learning experiences designed to build confidence\, encourage collaboration\, and strengthen the leadership and talent pipeline within our business community.\n\n\n\nBy aligning with the Chamber's mission to serve as a catalyst for business success and a champion for a vibrant economy\, S.M.A.R.T. Networking fosters professional growth while deepening community connections.\n\n\n\nEach session features a focused\, timely topic such as grant writing\, marketing\, or hiring solutions. Attendees engage directly with the speakers and each other through hands-on activities\, open dialogue\, and networking opportunities.\n\n\n\nWhether you're looking to sharpen your skills\, exchange ideas\, or explore new perspectives\, S.M.A.R.T. Networking helps you learn something valuable every time. X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:A strong grant application starts long before you begin writing the proposal&mdash\;it starts with a clear\, well-developed business plan.
\n
\nJoin us for S.M.A.R.T. Networking: Grant Writing\, an interactive workshop led by Jo Anne Miller\, Executive Director of Brook Hill Farm\, designed to help organizations build the foundation needed to pursue grant funding with confidence.
\n
\nDuring this hands-on session\, participants will spend the first half of the workshop developing or strengthening a business plan by identifying key organizational goals\, priorities\, and strategies that can be used time and time again. The second half will focus on applying that business plan to grant applications while covering grant writing fundamentals\, what funders look for\, and practical tips for submitting stronger proposals.
\n
\nWhether you'\;re new to grant writing or have applied for funding before\, this workshop will provide valuable tools you can use well beyond a single grant opportunity. You'\;ll leave with a stronger understanding of how to position your organization for success and a framework that can support future funding efforts.
\n
\nSeats are limited\, and the interactive format is designed to give participants time to work through the process alongside peers and receive guidance throughout the morning.
\n
\nRegister today to start building a stronger foundation for your next grant application.
\n
\nNote: \; Due to CVCC Bedford Center classes being in session on December 10\, guests are requested to park on Venture Boulevard to ensure students have priority parking. Guests who require mobility accommodations may park in the Bedford Center parking lot or be dropped off in front of the building.
\n
\nAbout Our Facilitator
\n
\nJo Anne Miller has formally served as Executive Director of Brook Hill Farm since 2010\, bringing a diverse background in education and corporate management. A retired adjunct professor of Equine Science at Randolph College\, she holds a degree in education and certifications as both a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning.
\n
\nJo Anne has presented at national and international conferences on topics such as grant writing\, equine business\, equine welfare\, and equine-assisted therapies\, and serves on numerous national and international boards and committees. In addition to successfully writing competitive grant proposals\, Jo Anne regularly reviews grant applications and serves on committees that award grant funding\, giving her valuable insight into what makes an application stand out.
\n
\nAbout S.M.A.R.T. Networking
\n
\nThe Bedford Area Chamber&rsquo\;s S.M.A.R.T. (Seeking Mutual Advancement through Resources &\; Topics) Networking series turns member feedback into action. Each session is inspired by topics requested directly by Chamber members and led by subject-matter experts who bring real-world insight and practical strategies to help local professionals grow.
\n
\nThese sessions aren&rsquo\;t just presentations! They&rsquo\;re interactive\, discussion-based learning experiences designed to build confidence\, encourage collaboration\, and strengthen the leadership and talent pipeline within our business community.
\n
\nBy aligning with the Chamber&rsquo\;s mission to serve as a catalyst for business success and a champion for a vibrant economy\, S.M.A.R.T. Networking fosters professional growth while deepening community connections.
\n
\nEach session features a focused\, timely topic such as grant writing\, marketing\, or hiring solutions. Attendees engage directly with the speakers and each other through hands-on activities\, open dialogue\, and networking opportunities.
\n
\nWhether you&rsquo\;re looking to sharpen your skills\, exchange ideas\, or explore new perspectives\, S.M.A.R.T. Networking helps you learn something valuable every time. LOCATION:Central Virginia Community College - Bedford Center UID:e.1335.21702 SEQUENCE:3 DTSTAMP:20260702T221935Z URL:https://business.bedfordareachamber.com/events/details/2026-s-m-a-r-t-networking-canva-basics-12-10-2026-21702 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR