Business Partner Program to help out another 15 businesses

13 August, 2020

More than $28,000 will go to 15 Gunnedah Shire businesses and organisations for new projects under the latest round of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program.

Business Partner Program Advisory Group chair Cr Ann Luke said this round had attracted 24 applications which were considered by the advisory group.

“The Business Partner Program has been a hugely successful Council initiative that has helped get close to 100 projects off the ground,” Cr Luke said.

“Gunnedah Shire Council has recognised the worth of this program during the difficult time of COVID-19 and has significantly stepped it up this year to encourage the resilience of our local businesses.

“We announced the special round aimed at improving a business’ online presence in April, as part of the Community Resilience COVID-19 Business Support Package.

“In June, we announced a special COVID-19 Business Partner Program round that encouraged online development for 22 businesses. Council has dedicated $200,000 this year to supporting worthy projects that assist new businesses or expand existing businesses and organisations.

“The boosted allocation of $200,000 towards the Business Partner Program is an initiative included among a range of measures in the second phase of the Community Resilience Package aimed at business recovery. The package, Invigorate Gunnedah, also includes an additional round to assist businesses in improving their appearance, with up to $1000 available for signage and façade upgrades. The round opens on 17 August and closes 30 September.

“This round will help 15 of our businesses and organisations, including significant support for a renovation of the Royal Hotel at Tambar Springs.

“The advisory group has been impressed by the level of innovation and optimism this round of applications shows.”

Successful applications for this round of Business Partner Program funding were:

• Royal Hotel, Tambar Springs - $10,000 towards a renovation • The Beauty Loft - $2000 towards a makeover for the business • Two Souls Boutique - $2000 for a new business start-up • Stacey McAllan Legal - $1900 towards a Legal Dispute Resolution Centre • BPA Civil and Mining Pty Ltd - $1700 towards business and employment marketing • Men’s Retreat Barbershop - $1500 towards a shop upgrade • Micah Barnes Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning - $1500 towards advertising • Gunnedah & District Chamber of Commerce and Industry - $1400 towards recovery engagement with Gunnedah businesses • Two Cats Creative - $1000 towards signage and backdrop • Healing with Bowen - $1000 towards advertising and marketing • Practical Health Consulting - $1000 towards an upgrade • Jade Punch Art - $1000 towards a home office set-up • Gunnedah BnB - $1000 towards business start up • Carwash 2380 - $750 towards social media and brand awareness campaign • Gunnedah Serviced Apartments - $500 towards upgrade of website and signage

Caption: Stacey McAllan from Stacey McAllan Legal is among the successful applicants for the latest round of the Business Partner Program.

 ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.