With cost-of-living pressures through the roof, it is more important than ever to support our local small businesses. As as your Federal MP, I am supporting you and your business by:
- Connecting you to services to help grow your small business
- Helping you to find, apply and receive grants
- Providing resources to protect you from Cyber attack and scams
I want to make it as easy as possible for you to receive the support you need. Please keep reading below.
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Top Ten Business Tips Subscribe to my business specific newsletter to find out the latest news and business supports available to you. Book in an appointment with Service NSW Business Concierge. You are entitled to 8 hours of small business expert advice over 3 years. Sign up for Digital Solutions - Optimise your Websites, Cyber Security, Invoicing, Socials and much more with unlimited training. For $45 gain 4 hours small business help on all digital aspects of your business. Gain free financial advice for personal and business finances and cash flow. Talk to an expert from the Small Business Debt Helpline. Sign up to the Mackellar Grant Finder for alerts on the many business grants, rebates, incentives, competitions, training programs and more available to you. Find a guide on how to find, apply and win grants here. Need free mental health support for you and your team? Contract disputes? For free, independent legal help contact the Small Business Ombudsman. Need help navigating your legal requirements under new workplace law? Fair Work Ombudsman Need tax help? Free tax courses and guides. Utilise all the federal resources and help available to you and your business, from starting out to closing down.
News directly to you!
Sign up to my business newsletter to hear the latest business specific news and opportunities.
View the previous editions below:
February Business Newsletter 2025
November Business Newsletter 2024
August Business Newsletter 2024
February Business Newsletter 2024
November Business Newsletter 2023
August Business Newsletter 2023
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Grants There are many grants for businesses that are offered by federal, state and local government, as well as non-government organisations. The Mackellar Grant Finder is a free service that provides a comprehensive list of grants and other support. To register for this free service and keep up to date with grant opportunities for your business, see here. Scroll down to see one example, the federally funded Digital Solutions Program. To assist you in applying for grants, how to set up alerts, and provide advice on how to optimise your grant applications, please see a printable PDF from our training workshop here. We also have developed the Mackellar Grant Checklist and the Grant Template Excel File to assist in preparation of your grant application documentation. Scroll down to see one Grant example, the free federally funded Digital Solutions Program that will help you grow, optimise and protect your business! #image#
Council Help
To serve our business community, Council has a dedicated Business Support Service. It’s a single point of contact to provide advice and support, news and opportunities .
Local businesses can access information and be connected with Council departments, on a range of topics including:
- Local business support/advice services
- Insights into local economic conditions
- Food licensing including food safety permits
- Planning and development applications and advice
- Working with Council including tenders and procurement
- Advertising sign advice and permits
- Festival and event permits
- Commercial activities on public land, including outdoor dining
- Plus many more
Contact information
Business Support Services - Book Now
1300 434 434
[email protected]
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We recently hosted a business event for hairdressers, barbers, and beauticians. Please find a copy of the information presented we encourage you to share both the business resources and how Sophie’s team can help the community with your clients and colleagues.
Every 6 minutes, a cybercrime is reported in Australia, 43% of which targets small businesses and costs on average $46,000.
Cyber Wardens is a free, online program for business owners and staff to help protect their businesses from cyberthreats.
With 4 in 5 small businesses having everyday habits that make them vulnerable to cybercrime, it is more critical than ever to have the tools needed to help identify and protect your small business.
It only takes 2 minutes to enrol in Cyber Wardens. Please make use of this valuable resource. Protect yourself and your business. Enrol today.
Digital Solutions Program Gain the digital expertise to take your business to the next level! Funded by the Australian federal government, the Digital Solutions program gives business owners a personalised digital roadmap tailored to their needs, one-on-one support from an expert business adviser, access to an extensive content library and over 200+ live webinars and workshops each year. To learn more or sign up to the Digital Solutions program visit their website. Or sign up here and use “Mackellar” as your referrer. Review all the upcoming events, webinars and courses here. #image#
Connect with Mackellar's business chambers!
Mackellar's local business chambers work with local businesses to stay connected, informed and supported. If you haven't connected with your local chamber yet, I would encourage you to do so.
National Reconstruction Fund The Australian Government has committed $15 billion to establish the National Reconstruction Fund (NRF), which will provide finance for projects in seven priority areas: renewables and low emissions technologies medical science transport value-add in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors value-add in resources defence capability enabling capabilities. Consultation on the NRF’s key design elements and implementation approach will be happening soon. Sign up to receive updates on when you can have your say and to find out more information on the NRF here.
Small Business Debt Helpline
Overview
This program aims to provide free, independent, confidential and impartial phone-based support to small business owners nationally regardless of the cause of their financial hardship.
This service is free, independent and confidential - no strings attached.
The program can help with:
- Understanding business and personal debts, and personal guarantees
- Grants and training for small business owners
- Business viability
- Disaster relief
- Payment options with the Australian Tax Office (ATO), creditors, suppliers and service providers
- Information about closing the business, including bankruptcy and insolvency
- Dispute resolution
- Emotional support.
Small business owners can contact the Small Business Debt Helpline by calling 1800 413 828 or via the Small Business Debt Helpline website from 9am to 5:30pm AEST, Monday to Friday.
My goal for a thriving Mackellar economy is dependent on better understanding your needs and the issues you are facing. Sign up to my business newsletter to hear our latest business specific news and how I have been working on your behalf. Even more importantly, however, please write in to tell me about your business & how I can help you. [email protected]