28 August, 2019

Gunnedah Shire Council is calling for nominations from businesses that could benefit from the latest round of funding for the Business Partner Program.

Gunnedah Shire Council Economic Development Officer Emily Wilson said the Business Partner Program had assisted more than 60 local businesses with in excess of $200,000 in funding since the program began.

“This is a great chance for Gunnedah Shire businesses to get a helping hand for business expansion or new initiatives during this difficult time,” Ms Wilson said.

“All sorts of small business projects, such as website upgrades, business planning and new directions for established businesses have benefited from the Business Partner Program.”

The latest round of the program is now open, with applications closing on October 31.

If you would like some advice about how to put together your application, you can make an appointment with Emily Wilson by calling 6740 2100 or emailing council@infogunnedah.com.au

Applications are assessed by a panel and funding is recommended based on estimated economic or employment benefit to the Gunnedah Shire community.

Business Partner Program guidelines and application forms are available online here.

The Business Partner Program in action... Enchanted on Conadilly

Gunnedah businesswoman Jodi Dolbel first sought funding assistance from Gunnedah Shire Council back in 2011.

Jodi had started her small business journey with the purchase of a balloon business to operate from home in 1993.

By 2011, she had helped with the opening of just about every supermarket, created a look for many weddings, and added colour to celebrations around the Shire. She was ready to open a shop in Chandos Street, and was successful in applying to Council for a grant.

“I couldn’t have opened without that help,” Jodi says.

“Council took a risk with me. The shop was just a cement floor and the grant helped pay for outfitting the shop.”

The business was successful and in October 2016, Jodi and her husband Stuart bought Riley’s Furniture and Carpets in Conadilly Street and a year later, the couple started a bedding store across the road. Enchanted on Conadilly was born.

The Dolbels were also part of the Business Partner Program in 2017-18 and received funding to help build their website.

“It was a huge step forward to have a full e-commerce website,” Jodi says.

“The Business Partner Program was a massive help to get that done.

“We do a lot of business over the website now. People do a lot of shopping on their keyboards at night-time. They can compare us with other businesses. We have our prices on the website and it is simple to use.”

Enchanted on Conadilly was also among the successful applicants in the latest round of the Business Partner Program to assist with a refurbishment and restructure.

The business now employs about eight people, including the first step in employment for a number of junior staff.

“The Business Partner Program has helped us in significant ways,” Jodi says. “We are lucky to have a council that supports business – both big companies and small business.”

For further details about the Business Partner Program, contact Council’s Economic Development team on 02 6740 2100 or council@infogunnedah.com.au.

Photo Caption: Gunnedah businesswoman Jodi Dolbel with the Enchanted on Conadilly website the Business Partner Program helped support.

ENDS

Media Contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.