Gunnedah Shire Council is committed to helping you stay informed and supporting in any way we can at this time.
The following information has been developed to provide a point of reference for COVID-19 support available to businesses. There are a wide range of resources available to help support business through this crisis, which we will keep up to date with the most recent information available.
We encourage you to subscribe to our new monthly Gunnedah Shire Business Newsletter to stay up to date with the latest business support information.
Gunnedah Shire Council Business Support Package
Gunnedah Shire Council has announced a $1.6 million COVID-19 Business Support Package to help local businesses through the challenges faced as a result of the pandemic. The package includes new measures to reduce some of the charges businesses face, as well as introducing a new Business Partner Program round to assist in developing ways to adapt to changes in spending. Full details of the Business Support Package can be found here. If you have any questions or would like further information, please complete the contact form on this page and we will get in touch.
Community Resilience Business Recovery Package - Invigorate Gunnedah
Gunnedah Shire Council is moving to the second phase of its economic response to COVID-19, with the introduction of the Community Resilience Business Recovery Package - Invigorate Gunnedah.
The first phase of the COVID-19 Business Support Package, rolled out in April, saw a $1.6 million stimulus flow to the Shire which incorporated a freeze in interest accrual against rates, fees and charges, a reduction in business fees, and extension of existing grants programs to help businesses struggling due to COVID-19.
Endorsed by Council at the July Ordinary Meeting, the second phase of the package, valued at more than $800,000, incorporates a range of community and business initiatives to support recovery, rebuilding and revitalisation throughout the Gunnedah Shire.
The recovery package is centred upon six key objectives, including:
- Support local spending,
- Bring vibrancy back into the CBD,
- Strengthen our businesses and encourage resilience,
- Grow our tourism sector in Gunnedah Shire,
- Promote Gunnedah as the first choice to live, work and invest, and
- Drive local infrastructure projects to create more jobs.
Each objective will be achieved through a number of initiatives and strategies, to be rolled out in the coming weeks. If you have any questions or would like further information, please complete the contact form on this page and we will get in touch.
Gunnedah Shire Funding Finder
Gunnedah Shire Council’s Funding Finder webpage allows you to search available grants and has been updated to include newly announced COVID-19 specific grants. Visit the Gunnedah Shire Funding Finder here.
New Online Gunnedah Business Platform
We have recently launched a new business platform for businesses – Gunnedah Shire Localised. Localised builds digital communities for local businesses to promote their products, their people and services. You can create a profile, list your business, add special offers, blog posts, pin items to the community noticeboard and more.
Listing your business on Localised is free, easy to use and will contribute to an online business directory for consumers to easily access local products and services.
You can also visit the Events and Noticeboard sections of Localised for networking opportunities and a range of free business education resources. These include a range of webinars on topics such as digital marketing, running your business with restricted operations due to COVID-19, how to use Google for Business, free TAFE courses, ATO small business training and more.
For more information and to sign up, visit Gunnedah Shire Localised.
CONTACT US
We want you to know that we are focused on helping you stay informed and will provide any support we can at this time. If you have a question, need clarification or have suggestions of support that is suitable, we are here to listen. Fill in the form below and a member of the Economic Development team will be in touch.
We will be sending out targeted business information in our newsletter so be sure to tick the box to receive these updates in the form below:
HELPFUL RESOURCES:
NSW Government Small Business Commissioner
This website provides information about economic packages and links to help you with queries about financial assistance – such as grants of up to $100,000 for not-for-profits, small and medium businesses, and increasing the instant asset write-off; your employer obligations; managing employee leave; business contingency planning and consumer rights. Visit www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au to read more.
Australian Government Business Hotline
This service allows you to speak to specialist advisors that can support small and medium businesses impacted by the pandemic. The website also provides information and resources on the new government support for Australian businesses. Phone 13 28 46 (7am-11pm, 7 days) or visit www.business.gov.au
Business Connect
If your business has been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic, Business Connect has a dedicated team of advisors who can help you. For more information and to get in touch with a local advisor, head to business-connect-register.industry.nsw.gov.au
Service NSW Business Concierge
Small business owners can contact this service for personalised advice on financial and business support. Phone 13 77 88 (24 hours, 7 days) or submit an online enquiry at mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/concierge
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) support line
If you need further assistance managing your tax obligations, contact Emergency Support Information line on 1800 806 218 (8am - 5pm Monday-Friday) or visit www.ato.gov.au
Australian Government Treasury
Keep an eye on the Treasury for updates on stimulus packages and the Federal Governments Economic Response during this time. To get in touch phone 1800 020 008 (Monday-Friday 8.30 am to 5.00 pm AEST) or visit treasury.gov.au
