May 6, 2020

Gunnedah Shire Council is pleased to announce that two rounds of the Business Partner Program are now open. As part of the COVID-19 Business Support Package, Council has released an extra round of the Business Partner Program aimed at getting businesses online with e-commerce platforms.

Businesses looking to grow their online presence or expand into new areas to build their resilience can apply for funding under the designation COVID-19 Business Partner Program.

This round includes funding of up to $2,000 for businesses who meet the funding criteria to boost their online presence with e-commerce capability to offset the challenges of COVID-19. This round will have a focus on supporting business that are diversifying their goods and services to meet changed circumstances during the Coronavirus.

At the same time, Gunnedah Shire Council is opening Business Partner Program round one of the 2020/21 financial year.

“The timing could not have been better, it is great to see that we can open these funding rounds to support our businesses in a time that they need it the most,” Chair of the Business Partner Program Working Group Councillor Ann Luke said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on some of our small businesses, and it was vital to assist local businesses in practical ways at this time.

“I have been really impressed with the way our businesses are adapting in innovative ways to meet the challenge.

“Gunnedah can be proud of its resilience. The Coronavirus threat has come on the heels of a devastating drought that has been felt throughout the community.

“But our businesses are continuing to find new ways to survive and, in some cases, thrive.

“The additional round of the Business Partner Program is part of Gunnedah Shire Council’s COVID-19 Business Support Package. It’s aimed at finding the gaps left by State and Federal programs, and helping our businesses keep a secure footing for better economic times ahead.
“I encourage businesses to take a look at this program and what it might help them to achieve.”

Application for the additional COVID-19 round aimed at assisting businesses to get online with e-commerce capability will require a simplified application process and will close on May 29, to be assessed at the June Council meeting.

Businesses will have a little longer to complete applications for round one of the 2020/21 Business Partner Program. It will close on June 30 and will go through the usual process and guidelines to be considered for a final decision at the July Council meeting.

To apply for the COVID-19 round, visit https://gunnedah.smartygrants.com.au/BPPCOVID2021-R1
To apply for round one, visit https://gunnedah.smartygrants.com.au/BPP2021-R1

About the Business Partner Program

The Business Partner Program has given more than 65 local businesses a helping hand with a total of more than $240,000 in funding since the program began.

If you would like some advice about how to put together an application for the Business Partner Program, you can send an email to council@infogunnedah.com.au

As always, applications are assessed by a panel and funding is recommended based on estimated economic or employment benefit to the Gunnedah Shire community and will be awarded funding based on the funding available.

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

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.