Cessnock City Council is supporting local business through the annual Economic Development Grants and Sponsorships Program, awarding $126,100 to support local business and stimulate economic growth.
The program offers funding to Advance Greater Cessnock Partners, this includes business chambers, tourism bodies, training providers and community organisations.
Council has approved funding for twelve applications.
Cessnock Chamber of Commerce, Central Hunter Business Chamber, Wollombi Valley Chamber of Commerce, Kurri Kurri Towns with Heart, Hunter Region Business Hub and Hunter Valley Wine Tourism Association will all benefit from this years’ program.
This crucial funding is being invested into vital initiatives including small business training, business service awards, tourism projects, and the Kurri Kurri Visitor Information Centre.
Sponsorship has also been granted for Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival and for the town coordinators in both Cessnock and Kurri Kurri.
Council’s Economic Development Manager, Tony Chadwick said the local business community is highly engaged and proactive, making Council’s decision to support business programs and initiatives an easy one.
“As a community we need to be collaborating and working together to recover from what has been an incredible difficult period,” Tony said.
“These projects will have flow on effects to our entire business community.
“I’d also like to use this as a reminder for people to continue to participate in our Support Local campaign and shop locally. Your support really does have a huge impact on our operators, so put on a mask, grab a coffee, eat lunch and scratch that retail itch.”
More information on support available for local business and resources can be found via Advance Greater Cessnock.
IMAGE | Towns with Heart, Toby Thomas, Cessnock City Mayor, Councillor Bob Pynsent, Towns with Heart Community Project Manager Towns with Heart, Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Manager Tony Chadwick and General Manager Lotta Jackson (left-right).
