More than $36,000 dollars was allocated across the eight business and organisations after applications were considered by a panel. 

Representatives from the successful business gathered to celebrate their achievement at a ceremony at council chambers on Wednesday afternoon, with mayor Jamie Chaffey, councillor Murray O’Keefe and council’s manager for economic development Charlotte Hoddle hosting the event.

At the event, Cr Chaffey said it was “great to see” a variety of local businesses apply for the program.

“We had a really healthy amount of nominations and some very deserving recipients,” Cr Chaffey said.

“As well as those worthy recipients we also had plenty of fantastic applications for businesses that were unsuccessful this time around but I strongly encourage those businesses to apply again in the future.”

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Ms Hoddle said the program is designed to assist local businesses expand and seek new business opportunities. 

“The business partner program is a key element of Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc and GSC to attract new business, or to expand existing businesses in the Gunnedah Shire by providing an assistance package as an incentive,” Ms Hoddle said.

“Support offered by this program supplements the Gunnedah economic development strategy by encouraging increased productivity, sustainability, growth and employment; and targeting new businesses and economic activity.”

Martina Boyle represented Marval Designs at the event and said her business would use the $5000 allocated from the program for a business upgrade.

“We are hoping to upgrade the premises that we are in at the moment,” Mrs Boyle said.

“Our aim is to do some big renovations this year and hopefully employ another staff member as well.”

Mrs Boyle said the funding allocation filled her with a great deal of confidence about operating a business.

“It absolutely fills me with confidence,” she said.

“It’s nice to be acknowledged, it makes me feel like we might be doing something the right way.”

Ms Hoddle encouraged any local business interested in the program to apply.

All projects are considered, big or small. I would encourage any local businesses or start-up businesses to apply, this is a great opportunity to maximise your growth,” she said.

The eight businesses and organisations allocated funds from the program include, Gunnedah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc, Li’l Achievers, Marval Designs, Tydd Motorcycles, Kinfolk Student Cafes, Gunnedah Serviced Apartments, Riley’s Furniture and Carpets and Gunnedah Diesel Service. 

Round two of the business partner program is now open and applications close on 28 February 2018.