Newcrest, through its Community Support Fund, has provided a $500,000 injection into the local business community, with the launch of the Newcrest Business Beyond the Curve Program – a Program designed to provide assistance to local small businesses that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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 aims to assist small businesses located in Orange, Blayney and Cabonne Local Government Areas, with 0-15 employees, that have been financially impacted by COVID-19.
Central NSW Business HQ Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Sunderland, said many small businesses were struggling to absorb the costs associated with the impacts of COVID-19 and Newcrest’s Business Beyond the Curve Program would provide vital assistance to support the local business community.
“The areas of Orange, Blayney and Cabonne have a heavy reliance on small businesses for the supply of goods and services, due to the reluctance of large retail chains to open in regional areas. The impact of COVID-19 has threatened their future viability and so we are very keen to partner with Newcrest in this important program,” said Wayne.
“Funding for this program will create a multiplier effect through providing grants that in turn support many other local businesses, bringing greater benefits to the entire community.”
The Program will also focus on business advice and workshops that will empower businesses to thrive well beyond the COVID-19 crisis.
Cadia’s Acting General Manager, Aaron Brannigan, said economic recovery from COVID-19 is a key focus area of the Newcrest Community Support Fund. Tailoring a financial program to support the business community, arguably one of the toughest hit industries through this crisis, was very important to the success of the overall Fund.
“We are proud to offer Newcrest’s Business Beyond the Curve program to not only support local businesses through a very tough time, but also provide ongoing economic support to the local region,” Aaron said.
“The business community is the backbone of our local economy. We need to stand tall and support each other by providing a hand up, rather than a handout, with the aim of helping local businesses become more sustainable and resilient in the medium to long term.”
Applications are now open and will be reviewed by the Newcrest Business Beyond the Curve Program Committee, which is comprised of members from Business HQ, Orange Business Chamber and Newcrest’s Cadia Valley Operations.
For more information or to apply for assistance, visit www.bizhq.com.au