The relationships created among local businesses will soon become stronger through a new initiative led by the Mid Coast Business Chamber.
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The chamber secured $217,000 from the federal and State government's Bushfire Community Resilience and Recovery Fund to launch the Bigger Backyard Project for MidCoast; a local search program designed to keep supplies and purchases within the area.
Businesses committed to and registered with Bigger Backyard will know what resources are available within the network rather than in metropolitan areas, interstate and overseas.
Mid Coast Business Chamber president John Stevens said the program will create significant benefits for the region.
"We know there is already strong support to shop local within our direct neighbourhoods. This project will take that to the next level - encouraging businesses to pledge to swap out of region purchases for a local one and to explore opportunities for partnership across the whole local government area (LGA)," Mr Stevens said.
Part of the funding will be used for a part-time staff member to manage the project.
Mid Coast Business Chamber representative Mike Parsons attended the project announcement in Taree on Wednesday April 14.
"It's a great shot in the arm for businesses across the region and we're happy to be the catalyst facilitator to get this grant on behalf of all the chambers of commerce," Mr Parsons said.
"It's about capturing more dollars to spend among the local businesses and therefore increasing staff and profitability in what has been a tough time for the past few years."
The Mid Coast Business Chamber encompasses Business Taree, Forster Tuncurry Business Chamber, Wingham Chamber of Commerce, Harrington Crowdy Head Chamber of Commerce, Gloucester Business Chamber, Myall Coast Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, Bulahdelah Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and Old Bar/Manning Point Business and Community Association in partnership with Business NSW.
Bigger Backyard is just one of many initiatives that collectively work to benefit the whole region, rather than individual towns, businesses or demographics.
"It's all about the Mid Coast banner and it goes along with the Shop Mid Coast campaign we've been running for the last 18 months," Mr Parsons said.
"It's a collective group of the businesses, major employers and cash contributors to the local area."
Following drought, bushfires, the global pandemic and flooding, Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead and Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie agreed the funding has arrived at the perfect time.
"In the face of drought, bushfires and flooding we've seen our community pull together, this program will encourage that mentality to extend into our business communities everyday practice," Mr Bromhead said.
"The Bigger Backyard platform will make it easier for local businesses to connect and support each other, so we can build a safer, stronger and more resilient Mid Coast business community."
We're trying to get businesses recovering from the disaster so this resilience funding will deliver economic benefits to individuals, employees and customers and it will make the money turn around a lot quicker.
- Dr David Gillespie, Member for Lyne
"Even though Black Summer was over a year ago, I can tell you that it is still early days in their recovery, particularly since people's capacity to access services and connect with each other has been undermined by the pandemic," Dr Gillespie said.
"The Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience funding will support a range of projects and programs that are designed to help our communities continue their recovery and build resilience.
"Every business participating in the Biggest Backyard program are pledging to do more business across our region, providing opportunities for our business, our families and our lifestyle. Recognising we are all in this together."
Dr Gillespie said the Mid Coast Business Chamber has "got its finger on the pulse" in understanding the needs of businesses.
"We're trying to get businesses recovering from the disaster so this resilience funding will deliver economic benefits to individuals, employees and customers and it will make the money turn around a lot quicker," Dr Gillespie said.
"Having them (business chamber) analyse and create strategies is going to be a wise spend of the money."
Business NSW Mid North Coast manager Kellon Beard said the initiative will help businesses bounce back from the disasters and pandemic.
"It's bringing the community back together to help each other," Mr Beard said.
Bigger Backyard was trialed and adapted in the Central Coast and Northern Rivers regions.
"They've had great success, it's really popular and had a big impact on their economies," Mr Beard said.
"We're looking for the same impact here."
Independent real estate agent Ivor Thomas said the initiative is "a great way to connect businesses looking for ways to help each other out."
"This is an easy and practical way to bring them all together," Mr Thomas said.
Mr Thomas is also the vice president of Business Taree.
"It's great to have the support of the broader chamber because everyone is stretched with resources so to have someone administrating it on our behalf is a huge advantage," Mr Thomas said.
The program is expected to launch in July.