Businesses operating in the Newcastle CBD will have the support of experienced businesswoman Maria O’Brien in her role as the Business Centre’s specialist CBD Business Advisor, as the launch of the Newcastle light rail speeds closer.

Maria will help Newcastle city-based businesses to harness the energy the opening of the light rail will bring to the CBD.

She said it is important for businesses to make the most of the opportunity that the launch of the light rail presents.

“The opening of Newcastle’s light rail is an exciting opportunity for CBD businesses to grow and attract customers – from tourists using the light rail to the empty nesters we have moving into the city as it gentrifies,” Maria said.

“There are so many ways businesses in the CBD can set themselves up for success and draw in new customers at this changing time.”

Maria said the construction of the light rail affected many businesses in the CBD but now that we are in the next phase, the Business Centre would like to help businesses harness the energy and the potential customers the light rail will bring to the city.

“At the Business Centre, one of our key tenets is teaching businesses to be agile. We want to give you the chance to pivot your business and be prepared for when the light rail launches,” Maria said.

“I would love for any CBD based business to call us and set an appointment to come and meet with me so we can help them strategise and be prepared to make the most of this time.”

Under the Business Connect program, CBD businesses can book 1:1 business advisory sessions with Maria or another Business Advisor at no cost, as they will be fully subsidised. There are also opportunities to participate in the Business Centre’s suite of workshops and Master Classes covering digital marketing, the use of Xero, and operating or registering within the NDIS.

IMAGE | Maria O’Brien is inviting Newcastle city-based businesses to reach out for support to make the most of the launch of the new light rail.