What if economic development was measured by what stays local, not just what we attract? Sparrowly Group’s Giovanna Lever draws on Zita Cobb’s Fogo Island story, shared at the Economic Development Australia Conference, to explore local ownership, placemaking and regional prosperity.

Community engagement isn’t a project checkbox, it’s the project itself. Sparrowly Group’s Giovanna Lever explores what the Tasmania Devils’ launch, shared at the EDA National Conference in Hobart, reveals about place-based economic development, belonging and designing major investments to benefit entire regions.

Regional economic development in Australia depends on capturing value, not just producing more. Visiting Tasmanian biotechnology leader Marinova during the EDA National Conference in Hobart, the Sparrowly Group team shares seven lessons for economic developers on specialisation, commercialisation and market-led growth.

Economic impact analysis plays a crucial role in balancing social, environmental and financial outcomes - yet it’s often misunderstood. Sparrowly Group’s Senior Economist, Sam Miller, demystifies why using the dollar as a common measure helps compare diverse impacts, improve decision-making and align policy and business choices for greater overall community benefit.

Grant writing for small business and community projects can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Sparrowly Group’s Naomi Farrelly shares practical tips to craft compelling applications, strengthen your case for funding and improve your chances of success - helping you secure support for projects that make a real impact.

Sparrowly Group’s Managing Director, Giovanna Lever shares how she has continued to apply the 5% to the business and in life, and how it has helped maintain focus as the world adapts to a new normal.

Now that the New Year hype is over and the pressure for new starts is off, let’s get real about creating goals and bring it back to basics. Giovanna Lever has mentored hundreds of individuals in her career from school leavers to senior managers and small business owners.