ungog Shire Council has recently signed up to the Easy to do Business Program, a joint initiative of Service NSW and the Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner to streamline access to government licencing and approvals, making it faster and easier.
Easy to do Business provides the support of a dedicated personal Business Concierge to help guide customers through the process, answer their questions, liaise with agencies, and review their applications. This means customers will spend less time navigating the process and completing paperwork, and more time on their business. The pilot program involves opening up cafes and small bars, however other sectors such as the construction industry will follow. I believe the service will be available until the end of the month.
Dungog District Chamber of Commerce has long argued for reform in local government to better serve the needs of the business community, and the forthcoming Easy to do Business Program is a welcome step in that direction. The program is an exciting initiative which will support and encourage those looking to open or grow their business in regional areas such as ours.
If you missed the grant workshop on Tuesday evening you can still chat with Tracey Lowrey, Council’s Community Projects Officer, about grants and she is very happy to email handouts distributed at the workshop. If businesses would like to chat about possible grants I encourage you to contact Ivan Skaines, Council’s Co-ordinator Economic Development, Tourism and Events. Both can be reached on 4995 7777. It is crucial that community groups and businesses let Council know what they are planning so we have a whole of Shire approach to grant and other funding and therefore maximise our chances of success.
However, since grants and other government funding for individual businesses is sometimes quite limited, if you have an idea for a grant that might benefit part or all of the wider local business community, please do not hesitate to contact me. As an incorporated association the Chamber sometimes has greater or different access to grants than individual businesses. Again, we will make sure the Council is kept informed about any grant application.
We are pleased to announce that our next dinner networking meeting will take place on Thursday 21st June 2018 at Norris IT. The cost is $25 per head which includes cocktail food. Members and guests are welcome. To book contact Colleen Duffy at dinner@ddcc.org.au or telephone 0400 603403
Kind Regards,
Jennifer Lewis
President – Dungog District Chamber of Commerce
