The Business Centre are now providing their business advisory one-on-one meetings online.
Having developed a package of practical business disruption tools for free, the business aims to continue to provide ongoing guidance to local businesses in need throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
The Business Centre’s CEO, Steve Wait, said a huge range of The Business Centre’s business support services will be fully-subsidised, so every business throughout Newcastle, the Hunter, Central and Mid Coasts as well as Port Stephens can access them for free.
“We have supported businesses through every kind of disruption imaginable – from droughts and the ‘89 earthquake, to floods and fires and now we are able to support them through the unimaginable – the COVID-19 crisis,” Steve said.
“One of our major partners is the NSW Government, and through an extension of the Business Connect program we have been advised that we can now give unlimited support to businesses in need through this program at a fully subsidised rate – meaning we can assist any business at no cost to them!”
Steve said that in addition to making all of their services free to all, the Business Centre has developed a Disruption to Recovery Roadmap, a Business Disruption Canvas and a User Guide to help those in trouble plot their way through the COVID-19 disruption.
“Over the last week we have developed these tools to help provide clarity in a time of major economic uncertainty – to help get businesses on to the road to recovery or even to help business owners to make the hard decision to exit their business,” he said.
Steve said that the Business Centre will also continue with the free live webcasts on YouTube.
The videos have attracted a huge viewing audience of business owners looking for expert advice and simple translation of all the information they need to sift through in response to COVID-19 and its effects on business.
“We have partnered with some incredibly knowledgeable local experts in finances, staff, marketing and insolvency to provide webcasts that will provide solid, practical and simply-delivered information to business owners who are really hurting at this time.”
“We present a fireside chat type webcast covering government assistance, how to pivot and we answer specific questions live as our viewers ask them. We now have these webcasts on our YouTube channel so anyone can access them.
“Our next two web casts (23 and 30 April) will be specific to the Tourism industry and will also be on the vitally important topic of Mental Health during this crisis.”
Like so many other enterprises, The Business Centre itself has had to alter the way it delivers its services.
“All of our Business Advisors are now undertaking their business advisory sessions via Zoom or over the phone so business owners can dial in for advice, guidance and support,” he said.
“We are one of Newcastle’s longest standing and most respected business support agencies. People are turning to us to guide them through this crisis – whether it be by interpreting government assistance and grants, determining their eligibility, helping them pivot to continue to trade or just being a shoulder to lean on. We are beyond thrilled that we can now give them this expert advice and support for free,” Steve concluded.
IMAGE | Director of The Garis Group, John Garis and The Business Centre CEO, Steve Wait recording an online webinar.