NEW SOUTH WALES
Business Development Tips
Please Note: The information provided by C-Res is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to provide accurate and correct information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability of the information, contained in the communication. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Servicing our local area
The Business Centre is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, businesses, and governments for over 37 years. They provide tailored advice, mentoring, education, and connections to foster sustainability in jobs, businesses, and economies. Having assisted over 35,000 businesses since 1986, The Business Centre offer programs designed for every business stage. Their services extend across the Hunter, Central Coast, and New England regions.
The Local Buying Foundation provides funding for a number of ongoing business economic and tourism development roles within the LBF regions in Queensland and New South Wales. Each of the facilitators in these roles do incredible work to initiate, support and drive a range of economic development and business support programs and events within their regions, and to provide information about services and resources available.
Business Singleton focuses on supporting local businesses by providing a strong community voice and fostering connections. Through collaboration, members identify community concerns, plan actions, and grow together. The organisation offers valuable resources, learning opportunities, and support to help businesses navigate challenges. With a membership base rich in experience, Business Singleton hosts a variety of events, including business breakfasts, networking opportunities, and annual awards, all designed to educate, connect, and celebrate the local business community.
The Scone Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc offers comprehensive support for businesses in the Upper Hunter. Through networking opportunities, workshops, business training, and access to expert advice, the Chamber helps businesses grow and thrive. They actively promote local businesses through various initiatives, including sponsorships and community events. The Chamber also serves as a collective voice for the business community, advocating for key opportunities and partnerships with local organizations, ensuring businesses have the resources and support needed to succeed in the region.
The Hunter Region Business Hub, established in 1992, is a not-for-profit organisation supporting businesses of all sizes. Through collaboration with government, industry, and Business Enterprise Centres (BEC), it has become a trusted adviser across Australia. The Hub offers business consulting, affordable office spaces, and mentoring, while also operating Digital Solutions to help small businesses with digital capabilities. Focused on regional development, the Hub serves the Maitland, Cessnock, Dungog, Singleton, Muswellbrook, and Upper Hunter areas, fostering local business growth and success.
Enterprise Plus supports businesses with expert consulting, advice, and mentoring tailored to their needs. They assist at all stages of development, offering guidance in areas like strategic planning, financial management, and marketing. Their services help businesses overcome challenges, improve operations, and explore growth opportunities. Focused on regional businesses, Enterprise Plus aims to drive long-term success and sustainability through personalised support and access to government-funded programs.
The Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry has a long history of supporting local businesses by providing networking, advocacy, and valuable resources to help businesses in the Muswellbrook Shire innovate and grow. Home to over 180 members, the Chamber hosts monthly breakfasts featuring expert guest speakers and promotional opportunities. Their Business Awards program celebrates excellence in service, management, and community contribution. Through advocacy and partnerships, the Chamber fosters economic growth and promotes Muswellbrook as a thriving place to live, work, and play.
Servicing our state
Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted independent business advice and events to help you start, run, adapt or grow your small business. Over 120 Business Connect advisors offer advice tailored to your needs to support you to achieve your business goals and tackle immediate and long-term challenges. Whether you own an established business looking to grow or adapt, or have a business idea yet to launch, you can access support.
Creative Plus Business offers a wide range of resources and services to support practitioners across various creative industries. Their offerings include advisory services, workshops, online learning, and events, all designed to build capacity and increase commercial success. By fostering entrepreneurial skills, Creative Plus Business helps creatives become more self-sufficient and thrive in their fields. Their programs cover industries such as advertising, design, film, music, performing arts, writing, visual arts, and more, providing tailored support to help creative professionals succeed.
Servicing our country
SBMS (Small Business Mentoring Service) is a not-for-profit association, founded in 1986, offering mentoring to small businesses across Australia. With over 150 experienced, volunteer mentors, SBMS provides guidance to help businesses grow, overcome challenges, and maximise potential. Focused on development, profitability, and job creation, SBMS offers a supportive, confidential environment to assist business owners in achieving long-term success.
The Australian Tax Office is the principal revenue collection agency of the Australian Government.
Their role is to effectively manage and shape the tax and superannuation systems that support and fund services for Australians, including collecting revenue, administering the goods and services tax (GST) on behalf of the Australian states and territories.
Many Rivers supports Indigenous and other Australians with personalised business development assistance, including mentoring, planning workshops, and expert guidance. They provide the tools and knowledge to start, sustain, and grow businesses. Through a long-term approach, Many Rivers builds confidence, improves business skills, and fosters self-sufficiency. They help small businesses thrive, contribute to local economies, and create jobs within the community.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is Australia’s financial markets conduct regulator. ASIC is responsible for promoting a fair, transparent and efficient financial system for all.
ASIC regulates the conduct of Australian companies, financial markets, financial services organisations (including banks, life and general insurers and superannuation funds) and professionals who deal in and advise on investments, superannuation, insurance, deposit-taking and credit. ASIC is also responsible for authorisations to operate in industries it regulates.
Free online business tools
Design
Makes designing simple. Create designs for Web or print for presentations, Facebook covers, flyers, and more using Canva
Surveys
Create and publish online surveys in minutes, and view results graphically and in real time using Survey Monkey
Website Design
Creative Plus - Range of Training services around business and commercial success for people in creative industries.
Create your own website easily, without needing to know any coding, try Wix or Squarespace
Business planning and development resources
Many banks have tools information on their websites eg: Commonwealth / ANZ Bank
business.gov.au - provides information, grants, services and support to the Australian business community.
Department of Industry - this site provides a wealth of information for all businesses, including:
Other information available includes:
Australian Government support for small business
- How to write a Business Plan
- Businesses and organisations - Tax and super information for business and organisations, including not-for-profits.
Business development - staying connected
Local and regional business groups work hard to promote local business communities. Keep up to date by signing up for free newsletters or show your support and reap the benefits by becoming a member.
Our C-Res Business Development Principal, Emma McCullagh is available via email - [email protected]
- Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Business grant funding options
There are many grants available for Small business. Here are a couple of sites to start your search
Indigo Gold Funding List - A subscribe for free to General or Small Grant funding list
Government Grants
- AusIndustry (Federal)
Increasing business visibility