FEDERAL FUNDING SUPPORTS WAUCHOPE BUSINESS HUB & GALLERY SPACE
Wauchope Chamber of Commerce will open a new business hub and gallery space in the Wauchope cbd with government funding aimed at supporting bushfire affected communities.
A jointly funded Australian and NSW Government grant of $435,996 is being provided to the chamber to establish the Hastings Business Stimulus Project.
Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie MP said local businesses would be able to use the hub to connect with other operators, attend workshops in a four-part business incubator series, develop start-up ideas and learn about support and resources.
“The Business Stimulus Project is about stimulating local business growth in key industries in this region - agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and creative enterprises.
“I know the Chamber also wants to hold an artistic festival and establish a gallery space in the same location as the business hub, with plans underway to lease premises in the Wauchope cbd.”
Chamber project officer Lisa McPherson said they were excited to launch the project: “We’re here to assist existing businesses, as well as start-ups and anyone looking to develop a business idea for the region. We’ll be looking for participants for the workshops and inviting anyone interested to contact us,” Ms McPherson said.
Dr Gillespie said the Australian Government funding would be delivered through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLER) program and would be a 50/50 project with the NSW Government.
‘We’re continuing to support local businesses and creative enterprises as they rebuild after the setbacks from the 2019-20 bushfires,” Dr Gillespie said.
The Australian Government is providing $283 million for 195 projects in bushfire-impacted communities, through BLER Phase 2. For more information visit: www.recovery.gov.au
Caption: Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie MP congratulated Wauchope Chamber of Commerce members Lisa McPherson, Rose Watson and Ann Pereira on their successful application for funding to establish a local business hub and gallery space in the Wauchope cbd.