As an easing of COVID restrictions draws closer, it is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the small businesses that help make the Coast a great place to live, work and play.

Every dollar spent on the Coast keeps up to 63 cents in the community* and to support local small businesses, Central Coast Council has launched two initiatives – a buy local campaign and an improved business support website resource.

Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Julie Vaughan said small businesses are the heart of the region’s growing economy.

“We’re encouraging our community to always buy local first,” Ms Vaughan said.

“Buying from a local business creates up to 4.6 times the economic impact over money spent at a non-local business* – so buying locally not only means accessing often superior and bespoke products and services but you’ll also be contributing to a significant boost for our economy.

“Our Love Central Coast website (lovecentralcoast.com) features a wide range of community and consumer facing businesses on the Coast and makes it easier than ever to buy local and love local.

“We’ll be flying ‘Buy Local’, ‘Support Local’ and ‘Love Local’ flags in our town centres and we’ll be using our communication channels to encourage everyone to support the incredible small businesses that contribute so much to the Coast.

“Many of our local businesses have been hit hard by restrictions to control the spread of COVID-19 so we’ve developed a new resource section on our website to provide a useful overview of the support, grants and resources that are available.”

The new business support section of Council’s website features:

• information on how to connect with Council for advice on required permits and approvals
• relevant resources provided by Council
• links to other services and support such as Business Connect, Easy to do Business, the NSW Small Business Commissioner and The Business Centre
• information about Central Coast business networks such as the Chambers of Commerce.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said buying from local small businesses provides direct support for the region’s economy.

“The quality and diversity of small businesses on the Coast is remarkable,” Mr Hart said.

“Every time we buy a product or service from a local operator, the multiplier effect comes into play – the more a dollar circulates in a defined region, and the faster it circulates, the more income, wealth and jobs it creates.

“I’d encourage community members to buy local products and services whenever possible – there is a great chance you’ll discover fantastic local providers and become a firm ‘Love Local’ advocate.”

Community members can access explore a range of exceptional local small businesses on the Love Central Coast website – lovecentralcoast.com/plan

Local small business operators can access the new business resource by searching ‘Business’ on Council’s website – centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

*source:  https://thinklocalamarillo.com/the-local-multiplier-effect/

ENDS