Increased Consumer Expenditure in Region
Latest data has revealed that consumer expenditure in the region in October 2023 was 6% ($4.1 million [m]) higher than in October 2022. $71.9m was spent in the region in October 2023. Of this amount, residents spent 67% ($48.2m) and visitors spent 33% ($23.8m).
Expenditure in the region is forecast to increase to $79.9m in the month of December. If this occurs, it will be the region's highest expenditure month on record.
However, resident spending online and outside the region has been increasing. Residents spent $22m outside the region and $23.7m online in October 2023. As you'll read in the below article, residents are being encouraged to shop local as much as possible this Christmas to support local businesses and jobs.
Source: Spendmapp by Geografia
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Campaign to Encourage Residents to Shop Local this Christmas
Residents are being strongly encouraged to shop local this Christmas period to support local businesses and jobs.
The Think Local First - The Magic of Christmas in Mudgee campaign is underway to promote local resident spending in the region this Christmas period, and late night shopping in the Mudgee CBD (every Thursday evening until 7pm in the lead-up to Christmas).
Shopping experiences will be enhanced by new Christmas street decorations and beautifully lit trees that have been erected in the region's four main towns. For more information on the campaign and to view a list of Mudgee business participants visit businessmudgee.com.au and read the December edition of Council's Community News.
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Magnificent Mudgee Business Award Winners for 2023
- Trades & Construction: Timber Two
- Retail: S & S Meats Mudgee
- Wine, Agriculture & Rural: Robert Stein Winery, Vineyard & Farm
- Hospitality, Entertainment & Tourism: Mudgee Brewing Co.
- Personal and Professional Services: Bonnie Sue Photography
- Health, Wellbeing & Lifestyle: K + Co Hair Lounge
- Small Business Champion: Small Batch Brewery and Hop Farm
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Digital Solutions Program
The Rural Woman Cooperative is a proud delivery partner for the Digital Solutions Program, a subsidised Australian Government initiative designed to help business owners untangle the complexity of the digital space, and provide opportunity to build digital skills, and accelerate growth, productivity and efficiency.
Access to the full Digital Solutions Program is just $49.50 (limited spots available). A free version of the Program (with less inclusions) is also available. For more information view this information sheet and visit the link above.
For information on The Rural Woman Cooperative view this brochure.
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Government Business Support
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NSW GOVERNMENT - find business support at service.nsw.gov.au
Apply to Become an Active and Creative Kids Provider
Organisations that provide Active and Creative Kids approved activities can now apply to become a provider under the ACK voucher program ahead of the vouchers going live in February 2024. Any organisation/business currently registered to accept these vouchers need to register under the new program to accept the new vouchers from 2024.
Easing of Procurement Rules for Small Business
The NSW Government has eased procurement rules for small business.
Support for Women in Business
The Service NSW Business Bureau can help women start, run and grow their business, with access to available funding, education, networks, programs and services they need to succeed.
Free Cyber Health Checks
Registrations are now open for free cyber health checks that identify security vulnerabilities for eligible small to medium enterprises in NSW.
Fast Track Skills training in Renewable Energy Zone
A collaboration between the Energy Corporation of NSW (EnergyCo) and TAFE NSW will deliver the ‘Prepare to work in the renewable energy sector’ online micro skills course that is expected to open in early 2024.
Apply for the Female Founder Startup Program
Powered by Investment NSW, the Female Founder Startup Program is an eight-week startup program comprised of online modules that are taught by experts. 50 scholarships are available to help make this program accessible to female founders. Applications for the next cohort close on Monday 11 December.
Expert Advisory Sessions for Start-ups
The Virtual Expert in Residence (VEIR) Program gives NSW-based founders the opportunity to book a one-off advisory session with a range of experts to help them get personalised and actionable advice for their startup.
Drought Ready and Resilient Fund
The NSW Government has announced a commitment of $250 million to establish the Drought Ready and Resilient Fund. Eligible primary producers can access a low interest loan up to $250,000 to help prepare for, manage and recover from drought.
Better Plan for Natural Disasters
Businesses across NSW can better plan for and protect themselves from natural disasters thanks to:
Help Available for Stolen Proof of Identity Information
ID Support NSW can make it easier to get help if proof of identity information is stolen, used or accessed without consent. Additionally, their new Password Strength Tester can immediately tell if a password is strong or weak, and show how to set a strong new one.
NSW DroughtHub
The NSW DroughtHub is a one-stop online destination for information and support available to primary producers to prepare for and manage drought.
Small Business Commissioner - New Website
The NSW Small Business Commissioner's new website has enhanced navigation and search functionality.
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Business Research and Innovation Initiative Grants
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MVP Ventures Program
- Closes 30 April 2024
Round 1 of the NSW Government's MVP Ventures Program supports startups and innovative SMEs in the product lifecycle between early-stage research and mature investment opportunities, through grants to drive the commercialisation of highly innovative and new products or processes.
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Industry Growth Program
The Australian Government's Industry Growth Program supports innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs) undertaking commercialisation and/or growth projects within the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas through advisory services and opportunities for matched grant funding. Stage 1 ('Expert Advice') of the program is now open, and allows SMEs to receive advice from industry experts on:
- commercialisation and growth strategies
- funding avenues
- market testing
- business models
- building networks
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Wood Waste Circular Lab Workshop
7 December 2023 - 10.00am to 2.00pm
Location: Charles Sturt University - Orange Campus, Building 1008, Room 206
A Wood Waste Circular Lab Workshop is being held to help stop wood and wood-based products going to landfill. The Workshop aims to bring together wood waste supply and demand organisations, researchers, technology and process partners to identify existing pathways, explore new opportunities, and evaluate any enablers for diverting wood waste from landfill. Register now.
The Workshop is for businesses that:
- have wood waste, and/or
- can accept wood waste either as a recycled material for processing, or as an input to another manufacturing process, and/or
- have the technology to process wood waste to convert it to a higher-value product
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What's on Mudgee Region - find and advertise events
Mudgee Region Tourism's What's on Mudgee Region website displays a range local local events including 'Business and Educational' events. Local businesses can register on the site before advertising their business events.
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Hiring through Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot Program
12 December 2023: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
The Australia Government's Department of Home Affairs is hosting a webinar on how Australian employers can use the Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot Program to:
- access the talent that exists in refugee and displaced populations to address workforce skills shortages; and
- offer a skilled refugee and their family the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
The Pilot Program, delivered in partnership with Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB), enables Australian businesses endorsed by TBB to enter into a labour agreement with the Australian Government to sponsor an approved skilled refugee or displaced person on a permanent or temporary basis through existing employer sponsored visa programs. Register for the webinar now.
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Workshops and Webinars for Visitor Economy Businesses
Free workshops and webinars for visitor economy businesses including tour, attraction and accommodation providers are available to view on demand through NSW First Program.
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Have Your Say - New Energy Guidelines
Closes: 18 December 2023
The NSW Government's Department of Planning and Environment is seeking feedback on new guidelines for wind, solar, and transmission projects in NSW. The proposal aims to promote investment certainty, transparency in how these projects are assessed, and increased benefits for local councils and regional communities. View the energy policy framework and have your say.
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Consultation on Telstra Universal Service
Closes: 1 March 2024
The Federal Government is opening a broad consultation with industry and the community on the delivery of a modern and more fit-for-purpose Universal Service Obligation (USO). The Telstra USO is a longstanding telecommunications safeguard that ensures all Australians can access fixed phone services and payphones. The consultation process will explore options to deliver better communications outcomes, particularly for rural and regional areas. To make a submission, or to view the discussion paper, visit infrastructure.gov.au
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