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Whether you are just starting out with a great business idea, or looking to expand and grow your business, the NSW Government provides business services that can help.

Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help you start or grow your small business. You can choose a business advisor and access informative workshops to set your business up for success. This is free one-on-one advice. 

Learn more about Business Connect here: https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/business-and-industry-in-nsw/businessconnect

There is also an informative online guide that takes you through the steps on how to start a business, from registering your business, to preparing for tax, knowing the law, and setting up operations. 

Access the guide here: https://www.business.gov.au/Guide/Starting

If you're looking to grow your existing small business, you can also access Business Connect's free advice. You can also get a free 'Health Check' for your business, which in just five minutes identifies your business strengths and weaknesses in key areas: people, customers, financials and business strategy. This can help you identify those parts of your business that can be improved and provide planning tools to make it happen.

Get a free Business Health check here: https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au/business-and-industry-in-nsw/businessconnect/extra-business-support/business-health-check

A big thank you to the RFS, its volunteers, and emergency service crews for their ongoing commitment and dedication during this devastating fire season. The Chamber will be in discussion with local RFS management to see how we can offer support coming into the New Year.

Disaster recovery grants of up to $15 000 are now available to primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations in LGAs affected by the NSW bushfires that have occured from 31 August 2019.

To find out more and to see if you are eligible please visit: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/disaster-recovery-grants

You want to start 2020 off on the right foot for your business. The best way to do this is develop concrete plans to direct your business activities. We've compiled a list of tips you can use to help your business succeed in the New Year. 

1. Invest in professional growth. 

For your business to grow, you need to invest in the professional growth of your team. Providing training enables employees to stay current on key business issues such as technologies, laws, product and marketing trends. Set aside part of your budget to invest in knowledge - it will be worth it in the long run. Affordable options for small businesses include group sessions, or mentoring and workshops run by better trained employees. 

2. Gather data.

Keeping track of and analyzing your data is essential in business. It can be used to improve in areas from finance, to marketing. Ensure that the data gathered is correct and will be managed efficiently. Otherwise, it will be useless or even hamper the decision making of your business. They are many online platforms that can store and analyse your data for you - it's just about finding the right one for your business and industry.

3. Set measurable goals. 

Vague goals are not effective because you can not work out whether you've achieved them or not. To have new achievements this year, your goals must be: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound. With these elements in hand, it is possible to create really efficient strategies to make them come true. Breaking down goals into action and shorter deadlines also helps guide yourself and your employees. It is easier to focus on smaller tasks, leading up to ambitious goals. 

Happy New Year!

Wingecarribee Shire Council and the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry are set to light up the Shire’s largest Christmas tree on Friday 6 December in Bowral’s Corbett Plaza.

Corbett Plaza will be a hive of activity with face painting, plaster decorating and a crazy hair station kicking off festivities from 6pm. 

“This event has been steadily growing in popularity in recent years bringing families from across the Shire into the heart of Bowral for a wonderful community celebration,” said Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Councillor Duncan Gair. 

“Those who’ve visited in previous years may notice that the tree has been upgraded,” he said. “We’ve secured a larger tree that previously stood in Sydney’s Hyde Park.”

“It’ll make sure the reindeer can spot the Southern Highlands from high above on Christmas Eve regardless of the weather.”

Helping to spread the festive cheer will be singers from the Wingecarribee Vocal Muster performing Christmas carols and members from the Bowral Lions Club will be serving a free sausage sizzle.

“There’s even a rumor that the jolly man himself will be making a very special guest appearance,” the Mayor added.

The official lighting of the community Christmas tree will take place at 7pm on Friday 6 December in Corbett Plaza, Bowral.

The event and all activities are free of charge.

For more information visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/events or phone Council on 4868 0888.

It's almost time to celebrate another great year of business in the Southern Highlands.

Purchase a ticket to The Southern Highlands Businesses 2019 Christmas Party at https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=574185&http://ow.ly/JdZQ50x7fmC

Are you interested in exploring export opportunities? Or are you an experienced exporter just seeking to upskill? The NSW Government invites you to a free Introduction to Exporting workshop in the Southern Highlands. This free interactive workshop is designed for businesses starting out on their export journey and those looking to consolidate knowledge.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday 26th November, at the Civic Centre in Moss Vale. 

Register here.

The NSW Business Chamber recently released the results of the September 2019 quarterly Business Conditions Survey. This survey is a powerful advocacy tool that the Chamber uses as it fights for a better deal for business.

Are you interested in how the Southern Highlands region has performed, or the industry specific to your business?

The September 2019 Survey Report collates the feedback of over 800 business members.

A more detailed breakdown of results are available through the September 2019 Regional results and the September 2019 Industry results.

September 2019 Survey Overview 

The Business Bus travels across NSW visiting communities to provide information and advice about the support available from the NSW Government to help small businesses to start and grow. The Business Connect program offers four hours of free business advice from accredited and experienced business advisors. It is also a one-stop-shop of other government programs which are available for small businesses.

The Business Bus will be at Moss Vale Hotel Car Park on Monday 25th November, from 9am-3pm.

Book a session here.

Having internet troubles where you live or work? The NSW Government is investing $400 million to bring faster and more reliable digital networks to regional NSW. A drop-in session will be held on 11 November, from 5pm-7pm. Come along to learn more and have your say.

If you're unable to make this session,  complete a quick survey to have your say. 

Wingecarribee Shire Council is hosting a Small Business Month event in partnership with the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry.  We are looking forward to having retailers present who can make a strong contribution to a discussion that will develop outcomes for collaborative action.