Two initiatives have been launched by Central Coast Council to assist the hundreds of local businesses preparing to reopen as the easing of COVID restrictions draws closer.
Every dollar spent on the Coast results in up to 63 cents being kept in the community so Council has launched a buy local campaign and an improved business support website.
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,” Vaughan said.
“Buying from a local business creates up to 4.6 times the economic impact over money spent at a non-local business.
“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 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; and 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,” 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 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:
Media release, Oct 1
Central Coast Council