Advancing Cessnock City through business engagement

Council’s Economic Development team is determined to make the region a better place to do business! Under the Advance Cessnock City partnership, the team is rolling out a survey to better understand the capacity of local businesses.

Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent urged local businesses to participate by completing a short 8-10 minute survey that is part of the Business Capability Study.

Council wants to know about individual business needs, capacity and optimism, as well as the potential pain points to running a small business in regional Australia. 

The Business Capability Study will determine how many businesses operate within the region, their size, employment capacity, export and import status, and also identify opportunities to encourage investment and jobs within the region. The study is focused on finding solutions and stimulating enterprise. The results will drive future economic development programs, and inform what can be done to support and nurture existing businesses. 

“The best part about this study is that any opportunities identified will be used to assist businesses to grow and leverage more for the Cessnock Local Government Area,” said Mayor Pynsent.

The data provided in the study will enable the economic development team to contact businesses with ongoing opportunities, and provide more impactful training and development under the Advance Cessnock City partnership. 

Council’s Acting Economic Development Manager, Rhiannon Stevens, says the survey will allow Council and other decision makers to better respond to the needs of businesses in the community.

“We need the intel of our business owners and managers so governments at all levels can make smarter economic decisions for the future of regional Australia." 

“For successful economic development to occur, it is absolutely critical that there is a comprehensive understanding of industry and businesses, along with their capacity and needs, which this study will provide. It is a credit to the economic development team who continue to excel in these initiatives.” added Mayor Pynsent.

Council secured matched funding for the study under the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund Community Investment Stream.

All local business owners/operators are invited to participate in the survey. Email or phone council on 4993 4185 to receive your unique link to complete the survey online or access it direct via advancecessnock.com.au/survey.

 7/3/2019