Grow Gilgandra - Local Business Support Program
Published on 03 August 2020
As we head into its 12th year, the Shop Local program is set to become a key initiative of ‘Grow Gilgandra’ and we want local businesses to tell us what it should look like!
‘Grow Gilgandra’ is a local business support program planned to be delivered in the 2020/21 financial year and will provide a number of initiatives for local businesses.
Shop Local has provided a positive boost for local businesses over many years, with Council again committing to the program in 2020.
Gilgandra Mayor, Doug Batten says the Economic Development Committee has dedicated many hours in delivering and supporting this initiative, and are keen to hear feedback from local businesses on what’s been working, what could be done differently and new ideas to be considered.
“Shop Local has been delivered in a variety of ways over the years, from having one major prize drawn at the end of the campaign, to weekly draws of Cooee Cash cards. We’d now like to hear from businesses what they think of the way it has been running and any new ideas or support to be considered as part of the upcoming campaign.’
Adding,
“The 2019 program drew significant response from the community with over 17,500 entries and envelopes averaging approximately $85 in tax receipts, which directly contributed over $1.4M to the Gilgandra economy. Considering the tight grip the drought had on us at this time, it is an amazing response from the community and demonstrates the desire to support local”.
Local businesses will be contacted directly by Council about the review opportunity and would love to hear ideas on what the upcoming campaign might include.
“It’s important the Shop Local campaign delivers intended outcomes for our local businesses, which I believe it has for many years. Now is an opportune time to take a step back and think how this could be delivered and other elements that could be included particularly given the recent COVID challenges that have emerged. Businesses are doing it tough, and Council is keen to provide support through this initiative” says Mayor Batten.
‘Grow Gilgandra’ is more than supporting shopping local, with a number of seed funding opportunities for local businesses to apply for.
The Business Signage project will see an opportunity for local businesses to upgrade highway signage to promote their current business offerings with financial and planning support from Council. These signs are located on the highways surrounding Gilgandra and can be a key drawcard in attracting travellers to stop in the Gilgandra Region.
There is also the CBD Activation project. Seed funding will give local businesses the opportunity to apply to Council for activities that improve aesthetics and facades of business. These activities will stimulate wider investment, contribute to the atmosphere and overall appeal of Gilgandra Region and create an engaging experience for visitors and locals.
It is expected businesses will further invest in this opportunity, improving assets and providing a better experience.
Mayor Batten says,
“Businesses have a range of opportunities coming up which are all intended to support local and Grow Gilgandra. I encourage all businesses in our Shire to actively participate in the Shop Local consultation, and keep an eye out for the seed funding opportunities as they unfold toward the latter part of 2020. It’s an exciting time and I look forward to seeing the outcomes moving forward”
To have your say on the Shop Local program and ‘Grow Gilgandra’, complete the survey online at www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au or contact Council’s Marketing & Communications team on 6817 8800 or enjoy@gilgandra.nsw.gov.au.
Feedback from the Shop Local consultation, along with the scope and details of the Business Signage and CBD Activation projects will be considered at the September Economic Development Committee Meeting.
- ends –
Contact:
Kathryn Larkin
Marketing and Communications Manager
6817 8800