Have you signed up to Council’s Lismore Grants Hub yet? Here’s why you should:
- 1,035 grants for business worth $69B; and
- 1,604 grants for community worth $65B were promoted on the GrantGuru hub last financial year!
GrantGuru does the hard work for you and puts the information at your fingertips:
- sign up to receive regular email alerts that are tailored to YOUR preferences – you can register everyone in your team if you wish
- gain access to hundreds of funding opportunities that are summarised in an easy-to-follow format, with links to program websites, application forms and other important information
- quickly see if your business or project is eligible – key criteria are listed
- key dates are easy to find, including application due date.
And it doesn’t cost you a cent! Explore current grant opportunities and register for alerts at the Lismore Grants Hub.
Grant highlights
Are you looking for ways to boost your community or business? Do you need funding to support your innovative ideas and projects? Then, you should join Grant Guru!
Grant Guru is a program that helps communities and businesses get the funding they need to make their dreams a reality. Whether you are a small business owner, a non-profit organisation, or a community group, Grant Guru can help you find the right grants and funding opportunities for your needs.
By registering for Grant Guru, you will gain access to a wealth of resources and tools, including:
- A comprehensive database of grants and funding opportunities, updated daily
- Personalised grant recommendations based on your needs and goals
- Expert advice on grant applications and proposals
- Access to webinars and workshops on grant writing and funding strategies
- But that's not all! By joining Grant Guru, you will also be part of a vibrant community of like-minded individuals and organisations who are passionate about making a positive impact on their communities.
We invite you to join us and take advantage of this unique opportunity to build your community or business. It's easy to register for Grant Guru – simply visit our website and sign up today.
Together, we can create a better future for ourselves and our communities. Join Grant Guru and let's make it happen!
If you have a Service NSW Business Profile, you can now log in to access the NSW Grants and Funding Finder – a one-stop shop for business owners to locate all the support you’re eligible for. Forty different grants, savings, rebates and budget relief initiatives from various government websites can be found in one easy-to-search hub.
Lismore City Council staff are also available to discuss projects and provide letters of support for grant applications where applicable. To arrange a time, email: business@lismore.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 6625 0500.
Business Connect
Business Connect supports NSW businesses as they navigate the challenges in starting up, running, adapting and growing their business. Get independent business advice, practical insights and business skills training on a range of topics for your small business.
Visit Service NSW Business Connect to find out how Business Connect can support you. You can also access information on events, webinars, workshops and on demand webinars, as well as find resources on practical tips and insights.
What’s new this month
Here’s just a few free online webinars available in August:
Search for more free events.
What’s your business vision and mission? Use it to transform your business!
One of the most powerful ways to transform your business is to align your business vision and your mission.
You may find yourself being pulled in many directions, saying yes to almost all opportunities that come your way, or you may be unclear about where you want to be in a week, month or a year from now.
Oftentimes, as a small business owner, you may have a period where you may feel unmotivated or even burnt out.
Perhaps your marketing may be failing to connect with or attract your ideal clients…
If you can relate to some, or all of these statements, then this FREE 3-hour hands on workshop is for you!
- When: Wednesday 7 August | 9.30am – 12.30pm
- Where: Byron Bay, NSW
Three key learning outcomes
- Gain clarity on your path forward, allowing you to prioritise what truly matters to you and your business.
- Boost your energy levels and stay motivated, even during busy or stressful periods.
- Articulate exactly what you do, for who and how, and create a brand that resonates with your audience, whilst maintaining consistency and authenticity.
Book now for this free workshop on Wednesday 7 August!
Save the date! NSW Small Business Month Expo
NSW Small Business Month is held in October each year and provides a month of opportunity for small businesses to upskill and advance their business. This year there will be a NSW Small Business Month Expo in the Northern Rivers on Tuesday 15 October.
Led by the NSW Small Business Commission, the Northern Rivers Small Business Month Expo will allow small business owners and their staff to network with government agencies and large organisations, connect with other small businesses and local groups, gain knowledge, learn new skills and celebrate their achievements.
Details of the event will be published on the NSW Small Business Month website.
The Service NSW Business Bureau
Service NSW for Business has become the Service NSW Business Bureau.
The Service NSW Business Bureau provides free, ongoing and personalised support for every stage of your business.
The Business Bureau helps businesses access government services, information and advice to support them to grow in the NSW economy.
Businesses can:
- talk to a Business Concierge over the phone, in person or online
- get advice from an independent advisor or access a range of events, webinars and online resources through Business Connect
- engage with a multicultural advisor for in-language support or get culturally appropriate advice from the Aboriginal Business Advisory Initiative (ABAI)
- create a Business Profile to make it easier to manage government transactions and business licences
- download the free Service NSW Business Bureau app to access support on the go.
For more information call 13 77 88 or visit the website.
Rural Small Business Financial Counselling
The Rural Business Support Program is an independent financial counselling service available to small businesses in regional centres who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, financial hardship. If your small business is going through a difficult period, reach out to your local counsellor on 1800 344 090 or connect through the website.
My Future Workforce
Find local staff on My Future Workforce. With a unique job matching approach on the Northern Rivers My Future Workforce platform, employers will only receive applications from the best suited candidates, reducing the time needed to find the right person for the job. To find out more about linking local employers with suitable job seekers and service providers visit the website.
Launch into Work Program
Launch into Work trials pre-employment projects that support job seekers to increase their skills, experience and confidence. Projects are co-designed with employers, jobactive providers, registered training organisations and other stakeholders to ensure both employer and job seeker needs are met. If you are interested in co-designing a pre-employment project that includes training, mentoring and work experience, and can commit to employing job seekers who successfully complete the project, please register your interest by contacting the Employer and Workforce Strategies Team at workforce@dese.gov.au or visit the website for additional information.
Workforce Australia
Workforce Australia is the employment service delivered by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. Workforce Australia includes a new online service and a network of providers to deliver personalised support. Workforce Australia helps Australians find and keep a job, change jobs or create their own jobs. To find out more visit the website.
Digital Solutions – Australian Small Business Advisory Services
The Digital Business Solutions program supports the Australian Government’s commitment to enhance the capabilities of local small businesses. It delivers low cost, high quality digital advisory services to Australian small businesses in metropolitan and regional areas. To find out more visit the website or contact our local Northern Rivers Region Digital Business Advisor, Liza Lyttle on 0429 686 629 or email liza.lyttle@enterpriseplus.org.au
Strengthening Business
Strengthening Business connects you with experts to help your business become stronger, more resilient and better prepared for the future. You will be paired with an independent facilitator to recommend ways to strengthen your business systems, operations and strategies and identify opportunities to improve your business, with a roadmap to get you back on track.
To find out more visit the website or contact one of Lismore’s Strengthening Business Facilitators Stuart McPhee via email at Stuart.McPhee@ep.industry.gov.au or 0414 788 278.
Mindset and Mental Health
New Access for Small Business with Beyond Blue is a free and confidential mental health coaching program. It’s for sole traders and small business owners. And the best bit - You don’t need a doctor’s referral to access it. Find out more.
Rural Aid also offers free counselling to farmers and their families.