The Business Portal

That’s a wrap for the Combined Networks Christmas Party - and what a night it was!

A big thank you to all who attended and donated over $1,600 to Hastings Little Wishes.

Many gifts were donated (all proceeds to Hastings Little Wishes). A heartfelt thank you to the following businesses for their generous donations:
- Brilliant-Online
- My Blue Tea
- The Witchy Nook
- Seasalt Cafe & Restaurant Port Macquarie
- Port AdVenture Cruises
- Façade Escape Rooms
- Mid Coast Connect
- Florence Jones
- Billabong Zoo
- Neopitch
- Nutrimetics

And also, a great big thank you to the combined network groups who donated and contributed to the success of the event as well as all that they do throughout the year for the businesses industry.
Business Port Macquarie
Businessnsw Mid North Coast
Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce
Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association
Hastings Business Women's Network
Micro Business Forum Hastings Inc - Port Macquarie
Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The Billabong Zoo were a wonderful host with up close and personal animal encounters including snakes, lizards, koalas and a special performance by Shrek the Crocodile. 🐨🐍🐊🦎

Port Macquarie Hastings Council were proud to support this event and looking forward to continued connection and collaboration in 2024!

Don't miss out on the Combined Business Networks 🎄Christmas Party🎄! Tickets selling fast! Purchase your tickets, gather your colleagues, and join us for a night of celebrations and connection.

🕰 When: 1 Dec, 6pm
📍 Where: Billabong Zoo
🎟 Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/combined-networks-christmas-party-tickets-735137775877

Business Port Macquarie Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce Hastings Business Women's Network Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association Micro Business Forum Hastings Inc - Port Macquarie

How is your business doing? ⏱Take the next 5 mins and tell us! We need YOUR insights to shape the future of our local business landscape.

📊Take the Survey Now https://survey.confirmit.com.au/wix/3/p916434123243.aspx

💡Why? This survey isn't just a routine check-in – it's a catalyst for change. By sharing your current state and future outlook, you're contributing to a roadmap that guides our initiatives in planning, advocating, and building a prosperous, sustainable local economy.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council Business Port Macquarie Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce Hastings Business Women's Network

📋 We are excited our annual Business Confidence Survey is officially live!

🟩Take the Survey Here 👉 https://survey.confirmit.com.au/wix/3/p916434123243.aspx

As a business owner/operator your input is vital in contributing to a roadmap that guides Council’s initiatives in planning, advocating, and building a prosperous, sustainable local economy.

This quick survey will help spark growth, fuel investment, and create a robust economy where businesses not only survive but thrive.

Survey closes 10th November 2023. Don't miss out!

Wauchope Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Port Macquarie Greater Port Macquarie Tourism Association Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce

⏰Major Event Grants are closing soon on SUNDAY 3 September. If you are planning an event in the first half of 2024 you could be eligible.

🔷 Info here https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/Grants-and-Scholarships/Major-Events-Grants

Major Events Grants applications are opening on 14 August.

Are you planning a major event in the first half of 2024?

Our grant supports up to $5,000 in funding towards event marketing activities which attract visitors to our region and your event (or if you're a sporting organisation it can be applied to other expenses).

There's also our Quick Grants stream of up to $1,000 (available all year round), for event-related expenses.

We can’t wait to welcome new events to our region, they allow us to connect, celebrate, enjoy shared interests, and build our economic profile. Make sure to share your plans with us so we can support your activities.

Applications close 3rd September. Find out more here:

https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/Grants-and-Scholarships/Major-Events-Grants

📸:

Major Events Grants open today!

Major Events Grants applications are opening on 14 August.

Are you planning a major event in the first half of 2024?

Our grant supports up to $5,000 in funding towards event marketing activities which attract visitors to our region and your event (or if you're a sporting organisation it can be applied to other expenses).

There's also our Quick Grants stream of up to $1,000 (available all year round), for event-related expenses.

We can’t wait to welcome new events to our region, they allow us to connect, celebrate, enjoy shared interests, and build our economic profile. Make sure to share your plans with us so we can support your activities.

Applications close 3rd September. Find out more here:

https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/Grants-and-Scholarships/Major-Events-Grants

📸:

Only a few days left to apply for grants for eligible businesses/organistions to support small business month events.

Look out for exciting events this October!

Less than a week to go! Grant applications will close at 9:00am on Tuesday 1 August (AEST). Don’t miss your chance to be considered for a grant! www.smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au/grants/

So much happening this long weekend in our region! Get out and support these awesome events and businesses!

🟣 Artwalk Port Macquarie Friday (tonight!) 5pm-9pm
🔶 Sip & Savour Friday 9 June - Sunday 11 June
💚 Hastings Farm Gate Tour Saturday 10 June - Monday 12 June

💡Join us for a Regional Business Innovation for Impact Event, presented by Charles Sturt University Innovation Hub in partnership with Port Macquarie Hastings Council.

Featuring the internationally renowned engineer for humanity Dr Jordan Nguyen with special guest Riley Saban.

Whether you're an innovator, entrepreneur, health, technology or business professional, or just interested in an extraordinary story of innovation for humanity and the far-reaching impacts that can be achieved. This is one not to be missed!

Limited tickets! ⏰
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-superhuman-technology-for-humanity-tickets-631246363867

🖋🖋 Free Grant Writing Workshops on the 16 & 17 May!

You will find out how to apply for a grant and understand the rules around grant writing. These workshops are designed for those with limited or no experience in writing grant applications.

There are 3 face-to-face sessions available:
- 16th May - Wauchope RSL - 10:00am - 11:30am
- 16th May - Westport Club - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
- 17th May - Laurieton United Services Club - 10:30am - 12:00pm

Find more information and register your spot here 👇

Grant Writing Workshops Would you like to learn how to write winning grant applications? Register to attend a Grant Writing Workshop that is designed for grant writers with limited or no experience.

Nature Based Visitor Experience Development Grant
🔷Visitor economy businesses seeking to develop nature-based experiences may be eligible for a share in $3.5 million.
🟡Destination NSW is making available dollar-for-dollar matched grants from $100,000 up to $250,000 to businesses.
🟩Eligible applicants include tour, attraction and accommodation providers and landholders.
🟣Info here: https://www.destinationnsw.com.au/tourism/business-development-resources/funding-and-grants/tourism-product-development-fund

2023 Wauchope & Hinterland Business Award entries are now open 👏 🎉

This is a great opportunity to highlight and reflect on your business or recognise the achievements of another well deserving business.

🏆 Enter the awards here: https://businessawards.wauchopechamber.com.au/

💡 Final day tomorrow 📣
https://www.smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au/

This is your final chance to take advantage of the 40+ events happening tomorrow, both online and across NSW! Find an activity and register now. Events include:
🗄 PayID for Small Business
📋Learn how to tender to the NSW Government
🗄 Is your brand letting down your business?
📋 Coaching to create a mentally healthy workplace

📣Don't miss the last opportunity to Connect for Success! 💡

It's the final week of - don't miss out on these essential workshops and events! Online events include:

🔵Importing for small business made easy
🟡Mobile content top tips
🟠How to get funded in 2023
🔴Free one-on-one coaching to create a mentally healthy workplace

face-to-face workshops and networking events are also running around NSW this month. Check out Small Business Month for more details: https://www.smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au/

🥪 Free - Lunch included! 🥤

THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

🟢what is it 🟢 how to tap into it 🟢

This free event is designed to explore what the Circular Economy means to us in a regional area. We will share knowledge, collaborate and identify actions towards a more circular future.
Register now:

Circular Economy - What is it and how to tap this billion dollar market! Circular Economy - What is it and how is it relevant to my business?

Don't miss out on this complimentary workshop luncheon delivered by CHESS Connect
💡 Unpack the impact of unhealthy work habits (& how to cultivate new ones)
📈 Shift mindsets and set goals for greater self-care and resilience
⁉️ Foster understanding of workplace stress and mechanisms for coping

Accredited trainers provide strategies and techniques to recognise and respond to customers or colleagues who may be struggling

Register now:

Port Macquarie Small Business Mental Fitness & Wellbeing Workshop Small and Micro Business owners in the Hastings Valley are invited to join CHESS Connect for a complimentary workshop luncheon to celebrate Small Business Month! This short, practical workshop luncheon is an opportunity to connect with peers and learn techniques to foster positive habits and a cultu...

This Small Business Month there are over 350 events to choose from for you and your small business. These include:

🏗Start-up Fundraising 101: an online webinar on 8 Nov
💡How to start a business in 8 steps: an online workshop on 10 Nov
📈How small businesses can win big: an online webinar on 10 Nov
🏭Business models and the circular economy: an online webinar on 10 Nov
💼Learn how to Tender to the NSW Government: online training modules this month hosted by TAFE NSW and the Small Business Commission

Register for these opportunities and more here: https://www.smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au/activity/

Struggling to find and keep great staff?

Join the Better Business Partnership panel of experts to help you to get the staff you need on tap, get prepared for the upcoming christmas season!

Small Business Month - How to get good employees!, Hosted online, Wed 2nd Nov 2022, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm AEDT | Humanitix BBP is proud to kick off Small Business Month with an informative discussion on the biggest topic for small business at the moment - how to get hold of staff to keep your business open! Join our special panel of experts to help you to get the staff you need on tap, get prepared for the upcoming chri...

We may call you... 📞
If you're a local small business owner, you may be contacted to participate in our 2022 Business Confidence Survey. We’re aiming to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities local businesses are facing, to help shape how we support now and into the future. 🤝
The Survey can also be completed online until Monday 31 October, complete it here 🔗 https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Business/Operating-a-business/Business-confidence The survey takes 5-10 minutes to complete. The outcomes will be shared in December!

We want to hear from you 📞
Our annual Business Confidence Survey has opened and this year, we’re aiming to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities local businesses are facing, to help shape our approach to industry support now and into the future.

Take the survey online here before Monday 31st October:
https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Business/Operating-a-business/Business-confidence