LOCAL business operators came together on Wednesday to hear about services and opportunities available to support their small businesses and help them to thrive.
Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee opened the event, outlining Council projects designed to support the valley’s economy.
“It’s wonderful to come together today to celebrate the small businesses that power our local economy, create jobs and bring life to our towns and villages,” he said.
“The Nambucca Valley has strong growth opportunities, with Stage One industrial opportunities currently on the market at Valla Urban Growth Area and some key regional initiatives coming to fruition.
“We are well positioned for growth and council is committed to working with our Federal and State Government counterparts and other partners to ensure it sustainably happens.”
He thanked guest speakers, Julie Humphris of BizConnect and Mandy Dawkins of Verto Self Employment Assistance Program.
Council has collaborated with local businesses, with support from Nambucca News Of The Area, to deliver a Shop Local campaign this month. Shops across the valley are displaying the Shop Local posters with the campaign’s hook: the chance to enter the draw to win a $200 local shopping voucher.
Local business coach, Julie Humphris, was a keynote speaker at Wednesday’s event, providing details of the Small Business Advisory Service, a free NSW Government-funded program available to small business owners.
“I’ve run my own small business for more than 20 years, and it has stretched across various industries, including farming,” she said.
“The Small Business Advisory Service is a tailored, one-on-one service that really helps local small businesses.
“I can spend four hours with eligible small business owners, helping to answer their questions and suggesting potential avenues to help them build their business plans or professional skills.
“Local small business owners who wish to connect with me to discuss this service, give me a call on 0439 001 992.”
Mandy Dawkins of Verto Self Employment Assistance Program was a second keynote speaker at Wednesday’s event, held at Nambucca Heads TAFE Connected Learning Centre from 8.30-9.30am.
“In my role as a Self-Employment Assistance facilitator, I love helping people navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with starting or growing a business,” she said.
“It starts with listening without judgement. Every small business owner has a different story, with their own goals, strengths and challenges, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting them.
“I take the time to understand each person’s individual circumstances and see the person behind the business: what they want to achieve, the challenges they may be facing and what support could genuinely help them move forward with confidence.
“That might mean supporting someone to enter the 12-month Self-Employment Assistance (S-EA) Program, or it might mean connecting them with the right business, government or community network where they can access advice, resources, opportunities and valuable relationships.
“Sometimes the most valuable thing you can do is listen, understand what someone needs and help make the right connection at the right time. For me, that’s what supporting small business is really about.”
Interested, small business owners can connect with Ms Dawkins on 0428 491 593.
Council has delivered three networking and upskilling events so far this Small Business Month: Canva for businesses workshop on 2 October, Wednesday’s Business Support Service event, and it supported an interactive event yesterday, from Good to Unmissable, held at the Nambucca Heads RSL.
Shop Local posters are still available from Nambucca Libraries, Council Administration Centre in Macksville or the Bowraville Technology Centre, if businesses want to get involved.
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
