Small business owners are being encouraged to start the New Year by taking advantage of the NSW Government’s Business Connect support services.
Business Connect continues to offer free advice to businesses affected by COVID-19, bushfires and drought. There are more than 120 Business Connect advisors across NSW and they provide independent, tailored business advice, as well as multicultural and specialist support.
This month, Business Connect is also hosting a series of online workshops to help businesses survive and thrive in 2021.
The upcoming Business Connect workshops include:
- Brand building for small business
- Start a business workshop
- Develop your 2021 business strategy
For information on Business Connect visit nsw.gov.au/businessconnect or call 1300 134 359. For information on the workshops and to book go to https://business-connect-register.industry.nsw.gov.au
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Applications are now open for year 2 of the Regional Seniors Travel Card!
The $250 prepaid Visa card is designed to assist eligible seniors in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW offset the cost of essential travel expenses.
The card was a huge success in its first year, with more than 337,500 applications across NSW. In the Dubbo electorate alone we had 4961 people access the card, providing $1.24 million worth of fuel and travel to our local seniors.
Eligible seniors have until 30 November 2021 to apply for a card.
Seniors must be an age pensioner with a valid Pensioner Concession Card or hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card issued by either the Department of Human Services or Department of Veterans’ Affairs. They must also permanently live in regional NSW outside Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.
Applications can be made in person at your local Service NSW Service Centre, however with ongoing concerns about coronavirus, we are encouraging seniors to apply online at www.service.nsw.gov.au/regionalseniorstravel or by calling 13 77 88.
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Nominations are now open for the 2021 NSW Seniors Local Achievement Awards. Go to https://dugaldsaunders.com.au/celebrate-the-seniors-making-our-region-thrive/ for more information.