The global economy has undergone a shift towards a low carbon future in recent years, driven by a range of factors including concerns about climate change, advances in renewable energy technologies, and growing demand for sustainable products and services.

This shift has given rise to a thriving low carbon economy, which encompasses industries such as renewable energy, sustainable transportation, agriculture, and construction.

Renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, have become increasingly affordable and efficient, making them competitive with traditional energy sources in many markets around the world. Similarly, the popularity of electric vehicles and other sustainable transportation options is growing, and sustainable agriculture practices are gaining traction.

The construction, manufacturing and agricultural industries is also adapting to become more sustainable, with energy-efficient buildings, advances in production systems and renewable energy systems being developed. Although challenges remain, such as reducing the carbon footprint of heavy industry and transitioning away from fossil fuels in the transportation sector, the low carbon economy offers many opportunities for sustainable economic growth and innovation; particularly for agile, dynamic, small business entrepreneurs, that seize opportunities to innovate.

Consistent with this evolution, the NSW and Australian Government provide various support initiatives for businesses.

The NSW Government - Climate and Energy Action seeks to transform NSW into an innovative, thriving low carbon economy. By accelerating the development of clean technology and decarbonisation, that will lay the foundations to significantly reduce emissions and help industry prosper. 

With more than $1 billion to support and partner with industry to move towards net zero, the NSW Government is committed to:

1. encouraging investment in clean technologies, with increased certainty and confidence for investors.
   
2. future proofing industry by helping you decarbonise
   
3. creating a strong NSW by growing jobs and strengthening the economy. 
   

Additionally, the Australian Government Advancing Renewables Program provides businesses with funding or finance to develop renewable energy technologies.

This program aims to fund projects that contribute to one or more of the following outcomes:

1. reduction in the cost of renewable energy
   
2. increase in the value delivered by renewable energy
   
3. improvement in technology readiness and commercial readiness of renewable energy
   
4. reduction in or removal of barriers to renewable energy uptake
   
5. increase in skills, capacity and knowledge relevant to renewable energy.
   

Additionally, Energy Efficiency Grants for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises is currently open for small and medium businesses, which provides up to $25,000 to replace or upgrade existing equipment to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.

For a confidential discussion regarding how your business could get involved, get in touch with Business Connect advisor Derek Tink, towards completing an initial assessment and connection to opportunities within the Climate and Energy Action areas.

​A unique selling proposition (USP) is a succinct statement that explains the benefit that your product or service offers to your clients, creating a distinct competitive advantage.

This critical marketing tool needs to be well-designed, memorable, rehearsed and delivered with impact. Your USP should stand out from the crowd, highlight a specific benefit that is relevant to your target audience and make the distinction between yourself and your competitors.

A strong USP will help you and your business to be notable, make a great first impression, attract more customers, and increase sales. Not only does it help you to position what you currently deliver, it can also be an empowering process to help you gain the clarity of where and how you see you and your business in the future.

So, how do you get started to create your own USP?
We are holding a Free Webinar on Tuesday 2 May, with presenter Maureen Shelley. This event will be recorded, so even if you are only able to attend for part of the time, you will still gain the benefit of the entire session. Register via the link below.

WEBINAR | Craft your unique selling proposition
Tuesday 2 May | 10am - 11.30am

So, what is a unique selling proposition and why do you need one? Join us for this super practical webinar and gain the tools to stand out from your competitors, by learning how to uniquely position yourself and your business!
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Register Online Here