Gunnedah Shire Council will continue a long tradition of supporting local businesses with a total of $17,380 in funding through Round One of the 2023/24 Business Partner Program.

The Business Partner Program is part of Council’s Economic Development Strategy that focuses on attracting new business and helping existing businesses in the Gunnedah Shire to expand.

The Business Partner Program Advisory Group recommended an allocation of $17,380 across nine local businesses and organisations. All applications were considered on their individual merits, with priority given to those demonstrating benefit and economic growth to the region and aligned with the Business Partner Guidelines.

The successful recipients were:

• ProFit 24 - $3500 for Strength Room extension
• Fogarty Fotos - $2380 for relocation to larger premises
• PK Podiatry Centre – $5000 for a flotation tank
• Serene Ayurveda - $750 towards website and advertising costs
• Sunburnt Treasures - $1000 towards Google optimisation
• Stinger Vintage House - $750 towards signage
• The Mindful Business Hub - $750 towards a commercial space
• Tori Etheridge Photography - $2500 towards “Good Memories can be Created”
• Hive Coffee - $750 towards signage.

Chair of the Business Partner Advisory Group Cr Colleen Fuller said Council was proud of its Business Partner Program which aims to not only support current, but also stimulate new business in the Gunnedah Shire.

“Gunnedah’s reputation as a regional township is continuing to grow as a result of the many great businesses that have and are continuing to set up here. Increasingly, we are becoming a go-to destination in this part of NSW for people seeking quality business and lifestyle services,” she said.

“As a council we will continue to be as proactive as possible in supporting and encouraging growth of our businesses.”