30 May 2018

Gunnedah Shire Council is pleased to support eight local businesses and organisations after Round Two allocations of the Business Partner Program were endorsed at the April Ordinary Council Meeting.

More than $17,000 was allocated under the 2017/18 Business Partner Program after applications were considered by a panel. The following businesses and organisations were successful and announced at a ceremony on Wednesday:

• Prydes Easifeeds for quality and packaging updates
• Care 4 U Services for digital development
• Mrs Hath’s Forest Nursery for The Shed Café
• Managed by Kate (property management) for start-up costs
• WA Baxter and Co for an expansion
• Evolution Therapies for an upgrade
• Gunnedah Fashion Fabrics for digital development
• Bitter Suite Café for weather protection

Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said the Program is designed to actively seek new business opportunities and assist in the expansion of existing businesses in the Shire, by providing support, advice and marketing, as well as the provision of incentives.

“We received 26 applications and are distributing $17,975 across eight local businesses. It was very competitive and fantastic to see so many quality applications and initiatives from our business community,” Ms Hoddle said.

“Applications were assessed against the criteria set by the Advisory Group, and recommendations for funding were given based on the quality of the applications and the funding available in this round.”

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said support offered by this Program supplements the Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy by encouraging increased productivity, sustainability, growth and employment; and targeting new business and economic activity.

“Communities like Gunnedah are dependent on small to medium-sized businesses to remain the backbone of the local economy and it is great to see eight local businesses become successful in receiving this support from Council,” Cr Chaffey said.

Round Three of the Business Partner Program is now open and applications close on 30 June 2018.

For more information visit www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au or contact Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au 

Photo Caption: Business Partner Program Presentation, from left: Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle, Rebecca Gilbert (Mrs Hath’s Forest Nursery), Kate Johnson (Managed by Kate), Director Planning and Environmental Services Andrew Johns, Mayor Jamie Chaffey, Rachael Hopkins (WA Baxter and Co), Alice Weinthal (Bitter Suite Café), Amanda Cooper ( Care 4 U Services) and Maddison Vigor (Evolution Therapies).

ENDS

Media Contact: Ashley Gardner 6740 2100.