Bumper response to business grants
28 April 2020
MORE than 130 small businesses across Inverell Shire have responded to a new grant program offered by Council to support businesses improve their reach, embrace online market opportunities and adjust to the rapidly changing business climate.
With applications closing last Friday, Council has tallied the applications and mayor Paul Harmon admits he’s delighted with the way business owners have embraced the opportunity.
“We have had businesses from all corners of the shire apply for this program, across a range of industries, including farm based businesses through to bricks and mortar stores”.
“I take my hat off to the business owners who have found the time to develop these proposals, work with their fellow businesses to gather quotes and submit their application to the program.”
“It’s been a great insight into the array of businesses we have in our region, the wide ranging skills of our residents and also how many of our businesses can source their inputs and services right here in our shire”.
Cr Harmon says proposals received from applicants range from development of websites for local businesses, installing new equipment to updating business signage and point of sale technology.
“With the drought and bushfire impacting our community and COVID-19 restrictions, local businesses are facing testing times. These grants will help businesses respond to the difficult conditions and find new ways to connect with customers and survive long term”.
Under the program, businesses with fewer than 10 employees were able to apply for funding amounts between $500 to $10,000.
The mayor says Council will be contacting applicants and letting them know the outcome of their application in early May and from there, they will have 4 months to complete their project.
“Certainly, what’s clear is we will be seeing a flurry of projects throughout our shire over the coming months, which will drive local spending and also keep businesses busy and I’m looking forward to these projects taking shape.”
For further information contact:
Fiona Adams
Inverell Shire Council | PO Box 138, Inverell NSW 2360 | 02 6728 8288 | Fiona.Adams@inverell.nsw.gov.au
