Central Coast Council is continuing to support the local economy with a range of measures to help local businesses experiencing hardship in the current economic climate.

The initiatives follow an earlier support package for businesses during the recent COVID-19 closures.

The phase two support package takes a multi-pronged approach to assisting business owners. Elements include:

• a dedicated priority customer service channel for businesses seeking information from Council, including online resources
• access to Council’s one-stop GrantFinder hub to source potential financial injections
• a commitment by Council to procuring goods and services from local businesses whenever possible and to promoting its upcoming works program to local suppliers
• online platforms which help local shoppers and businesses connect with other local businesses
• non enforcement of delivery times specified in development approvals.

Council’s Executive Manager Innovation and Futures, Ricardo Martello said Council has a role as a facilitator in helping local businesses move forward during the financial downturn.

“We have set up a dedicated customer service queue for businesses, and we are constantly adding to our website with information about ‘hot button’ topics such as development applications, reopening after COVID-19, transitioning to home-based operations and general business operations,” Mr Martello said.

“We are committing wherever possible to source goods, services and works for contracts with a value of less than $250,000 from Coast suppliers.

“We are making it as simple as possible for business owners to source information and creating opportunities for them to become part of Council’s supply chain - in coming weeks we will be rolling out an education campaign supporting suppliers to understand the requirements for competing for Council procurement contracts and providing increased visibility of our upcoming works program.”

Mayor Lisa Matthews said supporting and building the local economy will have benefits for the whole community.

“Local business growth will support local jobs, which in turn keeps people based on the Coast rather than having to commute to other regions for work,” Mayor Matthews said.

“In turn, that contributes to more dollars spent in the local economy, improved health and wellbeing and better lives for all residents including families.”

For more information on Council’s Business Support Package go to centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/business-support