To our Charters Towers Business Community, 

Welcome to the latest edition of Business Buzz, your monthly source for community events, networking opportunities, and valuable business resources. We are delighted to share exciting opportunities featured in this month's newsletter, and we encourage you to connect with the Economic Development Team for additional information or offer suggestions of programs and initiatives you would like to see.

As we say goodbye to 2023, this marks our final newsletter of the year. We want to take this moment to wish you a joyous festive season, and may the upcoming year be filled with prosperity and success. Merry Christmas and a Happy, Safe New Year!!

To celebrate this Christmas season, Council is putting together a Social Media Campaign encouraging locals to support local businesses. We are inviting local businesses to participate in the Tis the Season to Support Local Social Media Campaign dedicated to showcasing unique and wonderful Christmas present ideas. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your products, boost your visibility, and connect with the community during the holiday shopping season. Express your interest today by contacting the Economic Development Team on 07 4761 5357. 

Council has initiated a Small Business Needs Survey which aims to develop tailored workshops and essential initiatives that address the specific requirements of our existing business community. We value your input immensely.

Charters Towers Small Business Survey

The final Quarterly Business Breakfast for the year took place on Wednesday, 29 November. It was encouraging to witness the active engagement, networking, and idea-sharing among local businesses and not-for-profit organisations. Attendees received updates from Mayor Frank Beveridge and insightful presentations from Guest speakers, Dr Girish (Goldcity Dental Centre), Tom Dockray (Powerlink | CopperString 2032) and Rebecca Cassidy (Commonwealth Bank).
 
Looking ahead, our next Business Breakfast is scheduled for March 2024, coinciding with International Women's Day. Stayed tuned for more details. 

If you missed the CopperString Suppliers Sessions and updates, you can catch up by viewing a recorded session here.

Online event, 6 December 2023, 12 pm - 1 pm

 

Are you curious about what business-related mental wellness support you can access to help you achieve your business and personal goals? 

 
Hosted by the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business & Training this informative virtual event offers an opportunity to meet a team of business wellness coaches who can support you through the challenges of owning and running a small business. These counselling professionals with a background in business, are here to guide you. Come connect with them, gain insights, and ask questions about the fully-subsidised support services.

 

Financial counsellors will also be coming along to introduce you to the small business financial counselling service. Register now to secure your spot!

Backing Business in the Bush Fund is currently accepting applications. This fund has been specifically established as an investment initiative offering cash grants to small and medium-sized businesses in Queensland. These grants aim to facilitate projects in regional Queensland.

Eligible projects can access funding between $500,000 and $2 million, however,  funding will be no more than 50 per cent of the project’s total eligible capital expenditure.

For detailed guidelines and the application link, please visit the fund website by clicking here.

If you are an innovative small and/or medium business with commercialisation and/or growth projects in one or more of the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas, such as Resources, Transport, Medical Science, Defence Capability, Renewable and Low Emission Technologies, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and/or Enabling Capabilities, the Industry Growth Program (IGP) is an opportunity worth considering.  

The program offers commercialisation and business growth advice to start ups and innovative SMEs. This support is provided through a national network of commercialisation and early-stage business growth advisers.

To explore this opportunity and apply for support, please visit business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/industry-growth-program. 

The Insolvency Australia National Insolvency Helpline is free to callers requiring assistance, and they will receive a complimentary 15-minute consultation with a helpline panel member to discuss their specific situation.

For businesses, individuals or advisers needing assistance, the Insolvency Helpline number is 1300 360 800 and is available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Australia Time (excluding public holidays).

Feel free to share this newsletter with your colleagues and business associates. Businesses interested in receiving the Business Buzz can register here.

Economic Development Team
 
Economic Development | Community Building
CHARTERS TOWERS REGIONAL COUNCIL 
P 07 4761 5357 M 0408 348 065 E akeen@charterstowers.qld.gov.au W www.charterstowers.qld.gov.au