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The survey will be distributed to the 50 bushfire-impacted local government areas in NSW. The survey will be open until 24 December 2020. The feedback from the business community will be extremely valuable in helping us identify future responses for supporting businesses during a disaster. Insights and data resulting from the survey will be distributed to councils in early 2021. We have made it easy for you to learn all about the Business Connect Program. If you are interested and wish to register, you can choose from the following:
 An exciting opportunity to work with a dynamic and progressive organisation within a highly regarded State Government program. Opportunity for service organisations or independent contractors to provide service on the Mid North Coast and Northern Rivers incorporating Clarence Valley & Port Macquarie/ Hastings LGA's & areas in between, for a period up to 31/03/2021. Ideally, interested parties will have existing business and professional contact networks within the target demographic and geographic areas that can be utilised to lift the profile of and drive demand for the program, and its advisory services. A part of the NSW Government’s response to the current pandemic is a commitment to engage additional Business Connect Advisors to support SMEs through the challenges of COVID-19. For more information, please download the attached PDF. Please submit all enquiries and applications to: Gary Wheatstone Program Coordinator garyw@nortec.org.au 0408 631 801
What a great turn out in Ballina. We ran this ATO workshop to a group of 17 wonderful business owners who needed to get up to speed with the new regulations required by the Australian Taxation Office. A great way to Network with like minded people wanting to improve their skills. Are you wanting to update your Social Media skills or learn how to imrove your website findability? Keep an eye out for our workshops that we run across New England, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Clarence, Richmond, Ballina, Byron Shire and Tweed Heads regions as part of the NSW Government's Business Connect program. How are the workshops run?Each workshop will focus on its specified topic.
We keep these workshops small, so that you can have a more hands on experience with our industry professionals. Workshop details:
What happens after? We don't just want to present to you, we want to TEACH YOU. Every attendee at the workshop receives a complementary one-on-one session in your own business by one of our specialised business advisors. Simply choose a time and day that suits you. Our Workshops are part of the Business Connect program, and are subsidised by the by the NSW Department of Industry .
 Awesome Business Connect Advisor Gary Wheatstone, was able to step through the Start-up Health check diagnostic tool with Warren. This process helped Warren to complete a start-up budget and hone his service model. Gary worked through his business plan, focusing on cash flow forecasts, break-even analysis, budget setting and market place positioning, specifically Unique Service Offering. Warren spent considerable time researching different options for locations and inspecting numerous commercial premises over many months before settling on his "ideal" location in the main retail precinct with plentiful passing trade. He opened the doors recently and already has numerous bookings as well as bringing many of his previous clients to the new practice. You can contact Warren for further information HERE. If you wish to connect with Gary Wheatstone for Small Business Advisory, (Initial 4 hours FREE) please book below.
Tony is a qualified accountant who has worked at the Australian Tax Office as a GST and New Business Advisor. He has been helping small businesses and has extensive experience with businesses specialising in: horticulture, creative publishing, retailing, and e-commerce over many years. lEARN MORE......
Tony knows the highs and lows of running a small business as well as the impact it can have on family members. He is keen to help you pull everything together and work out effective ways of organising and running your business. This includes help with: start-ups and business plans, cash flows, budgeting, costings, business exit plans, e-commerce, multi channel selling, inventory management, impacts of margins and discounts, bookkeeping and accounting. In addition to his small business experience, Tony holds a Bachelor of Financial Administration and is a Certified Practising Accountant.
 Small businesses and start-ups who are trying to get their business off the ground have a chance to bring their ideas to life with St.George Kick Start which gives away $100,000 in grants to help turn sparks into flames. Applications are now open and can be submitted in any of the two categories: new business ideas and new ideas for existing businesses. The winner of each category will take away grants of $40,000 each, and the runner up of each category another $10,000 each. WANT TO KNOW MORE ?
Small businesses and start-ups who are trying to get their business off the ground have a chance to bring their ideas to life with St.George Kick Start which gives away $100,000 in grants to help turn sparks into flames. Applications are now open and can be submitted in any of the two categories: new business ideas and new ideas for existing businesses. The winner of each category will take away grants of $40,000 each, and the runner up of each category another $10,000 each. Cathy Yuncken, General Manager of Business Banking for St.George Banking Group, said the program to date has helped over 34 businesses and start-ups turn their ideas into reality. “Over the past five years, Kick Start has given away over $525,000. Our diverse winners spanned from industries and different stages in their business lifecycle,” Ms Yuncken said. Applications close 21 April, with 12 finalists to be selected to battle it out for a share of $100,000 on 24 May 24 at TEDxSydney. “What’s particularly unique about our program is the top 12 finalists will have the opportunity to be to deliver their wining elevator pitches at TEDxSydney in front of four judges and a live audience,” Ms Yuncken said. “This provides a worthy platform for budding entrepreneurs to hone in on their pitching skills and put their most innovative and creative ideas forward in a collaborative environment.” Pitches will be judged by a panel of both St.George business managers and external industry experts. Judges will consider and give preference to businesses that can demonstrate a strong business purpose, embrace creativity and one that can drive a positive impact in their local market. To enter, applicants can apply online at www.stgeorge.com.au/kickstart.
TripaSista - A Business Connect ClientMeet Susan & Kim. These lovely ladies are the founders of TripaSista. They have extensively travelled over the past 30 years & felt that there was a need in the travel industry to cater for women travellers. (photo by the Daily Examiner) Their slogan is 'A world of travel for Women by Women'. They had the idea but needed help to get them kick started. The hardest part for them is to know where to get the help. Susan & Kim reached out to NORTEC Business Connect & with the help our our Business Advisor Felisimina Jom, she guided through the early stages of their business & continues to support them. Susan & Kim have also attended quite a few of our small business workshops to ensure they kept their skills up to date. Here is their story that was recently published in 'The Daily Examiner'  The TripaSista Office... Susan Ferguson & Kim Burgess Their Business Connect advisor Felisimina Jom provided a background in digital assistance and consultancy and could provide TripaSista with valuable feedback about their website’s functionality. Felisimina also provided TripaSista support in applying to a StartUp program in Coffs Harbour. TripaSista was successful in their application and is now on the 12 week course. TripaSista will resume work with Business Connect after the course.
Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help you start or grow your small business.
LaVida Bar & Restaurant - A Business Connect ClientKaren and Kevin from LaVida Bar & Restaurant were referred to Gary Wheatstone from The Department of Industry Business Connect program by Lismore Council. They had been unsuccessful with their application for a Flood Recovery Grant. Additionally, they had suffered a significant downturn in trade owing to six weeks of roadworks impacting customer’s ability to park close by and gain easy access to their establishment. They were working through staffing issues and a new project to launch a live music venue .  Greg Lyon & the Hop Operation on Opening night at LaVida Bar & Restaruant Gary Wheatstone, NORTEC Business Connect advisor, firstly addressed profitability by looking at detailed costings of COGS, wastage, kitchen efficiencies and expenses culminating in price reviews for the menu. Staff training was also discussed with delegation of responsibilities, training schedule and Code of Conduct. The Music Venue was opened 1st June to a packed house with great feedback and revues from patrons. An Operations Manual and continuing improvements to online presence is still in progress. A new LaVida website has been built with the ability to book specific tables in the venue. Improvements continue to be made.
Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help you start or grow your small business.
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Small Business Solutions TeamWe are committed to nurturing and assisting the small business community – we recognise that small business is the backbone of our economy on the North Coast of NSW. Archives
January 2021
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