Alison Farrar Community Relations Officer at Cadia Valley Operations with Jane Atkinson and the new laptop.
The Newcrest Business Beyond the Curve Program was designed to provide assistance to local small businesses that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is an initiative of the Newcrest Community Support Fund and will inject $500,000 into the local economy.
The Program, which is being run by Central NSW Business HQ and supported by the Orange Business Chamber, involves a grant assistance package to support businesses restarting or recovering following government restrictions, as well as support from qualified business coaches in the development of recovery and business continuity plans to equip them to thrive ‘beyond the curve’ of COVID-19.
The program has awarded 70 grants to date totalling $229,800. Grants awarded in Canowindra and surrounds include:
• Jane Atkinson Mediation Services
• The Canowindra Phoenix
• Captain Barnacles
• Central Hotel Eugowra
Jane Atkinson from Jane Atkinson Mediation Services in Canowindra was significantly impacted when COVID-19 hit.
When social distancing requirements commenced, Jane was no longer able to facilitate face-to-face family group conferences or mediations as she had done for the past 6 years, which significantly impacted her income.
So Jane applied for a Newcrest Business Beyond the Curve grant and was successful in receiving funding towards a new laptop that allowed her to offer videoconference mediation services via Zoom.
While Jane is continuing to work via videoconference for now, going forward Jane said “I will have the diversity to offer face-to-face or videoconference services, which is great.”
The Business Beyond the Curve grants and access to free business advice are still available for eligible businesses in Orange, Blayney and Cabonne.
For more information or to apply for a grant visit www.bizhq.com.au.