$100K Injected into Local Economy: Over $105,000 has been generated for local businesses through Shop Parkes Gift Cards since the program launched in December last year. The shop local program aims to stimulate economic activity and support our local business community, by encouraging people to look local first. There is no cost for the card, as little as $1 to as much as $1,000 can be loaded onto a single gift card. To find out more about the program, and to view the list of Load Up and Participating Stores, head to www.visitparkes.com.au.
More amazing Young Farmer Business Program news! The Young Farmer Business Program has announced grants for groups who support young farmers and fishers, locally and regionally in NSW to deliver training for their members. A grant of up to $10,000 (excluding GST) is available per eligible group and examples of projects include (but are not limited to) farm tours, commercial fishing business tours, workshops, events, business skills coaching, training and guest speakers. Learn more about the program, eligibility and application at: http://farmtable.com.au/grant-group-training/ There are also a range of additional grants, funding and support programs across NSW and Australia for young farmers and fishers to take advantage of. The Young Farmer Business Program has handpicked a selection of subsidies, rebates and more and brought them together in this one easy and convenient location. Young farmers and fishers may be eligible for funding through a diverse range of organisations, from the Rural Assistance Authority, Regional Development Australia, Jobs for NSW, the Regional Investment Corporation, Local Land Services and Austrade.
Central West Arts Groups Don’t Miss Out! Regional Development Australia (RDA) Central West is calling on all arts practitioners, groups and communities across the region to not miss out on their opportunity to apply for support through the Regional Arts Fund. The Regional Arts Fund’s community grants aim to support sustainable cultural development in regional and remote Australia and meet the strategic priorities of supporting participation in, and access to, the arts and encouraging greater private sector support for the arts. Go to http://regionalartsnsw.com.au/ grants/raf/ for more information.
Tough Conditions for NSW Business Owners: The latest Business Conditions Survey conducted by the state’s peak business organisation, the NSW Business Chamber, highlights that many businesses across the state have been doing it tough, however there are preliminary signs that businesses in certain regions think tax cuts and interest rate reductions will provide a welcome boost. “Our businesses in the Far West and Orana reported some of the worst business conditions in the state, with one of our business noting it was the hardest climate that they have operated in 24 years. Unfortunately, that sentiment is widespread.” said Western NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager Vicki Seccombe.