Support
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 February:
Search for more free events at https://mybusiness.service.nsw.gov.au/business-connect/events
NSW Reuse Impact Calculator
We are delighted to let you know that, in partnership with Charitable Reuse Australia, NSW Environment Protection Authority have launched a new calculator that will enable organisations to forecast and measure the impact of reuse activities.
You can find more information and access the calculator here.
Late in 2024, interested organisations were invited to participate in a feedback session on this new tool and it is now ready for release.
Designed primarily for reuse organisations and councils, and using the National Reuse Measurement Guidelines, the calculator can be used for a wide range of business, operational, planning, engagement and reporting purposes, including:
- Environmental, Economic and Social Impact Assessments
- Organisational and reuse project impact (actual and/or projected)
- Reuse impact by resource stream
- Donor and customer engagement
- Community stakeholder engagement
- Internal reporting and communications
- Supporting sustainability and Annual Reports
- PR and communications
- Government and philanthropic grant application support
- Corporate partnerships
You have access to two versions depending on the type of data that is available to you: the high level impact calculator which has three categories: Clothing and Textiles, Toys Games and Household items, Building and Industrial; or the detailed calculator which operates with 37 different individual product items within each of the three categories to provide a very detailed customised option.
Please refer to the Best Practice Usage Guide inside the calculator for tips and suggestions on usage and downloading the Reuse Impact Reports.
For more information or questions please contact the NSW Environment Protection Authority Partnerships team at partnerships@epa.nsw.gov.au.
Local Connector to provide a very welcome experience
The Welcome Experience is a free service supporting essential workers (and their families) who are considering applying for or have accepted a job in regional NSW.
Local Connectors can help you with the life stuff, everything from the practicalities of finding housing, choosing childcare, exploring job opportunities for partners or even introducing you to your neighbours!
RDA Northern Rivers welcomes Lisa Richards to the role of Local Connector for The Welcome Experience – Northern Rivers. Lisa brings a breadth of knowledge to the position, which includes economic development, and languages. She has direct experience in local government, tourism, business development, marketing, and small business management.
The Welcome Experience is part of the NSW Government’s $25.1 million Essential Worker Attraction Program, which aims to boost essential workforces in regional NSW.
Find out more about The Welcome Experience and the exciting opportunities that await those considering a move to the regions by clicking here.
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 service.nsw.gov.au/business.
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 at www.rfcsnr.org.au
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 www.northernrivers.myfutureworkforce.com.au
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 www.dese.gov.au/launch-work 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 www.dese.gov.au/workforce-australia
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 www.enterpriseplus.org.au 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 www.business.gov.au/EP or contact one of Lismore’s Strengthening Business Facilitators:
Stuart McPhee – Stuart.McPhee@ep.industry.gov.au, 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 here.
Rural Aid
Rural Aid also offers free counselling to farmers and their families.