Supporting local business

Business matters to Maitland and Council is committed to providing an environment that supports and stimulates economic growth.

Maitland comprises a number of key business networks serving to support and grow business in the area. Additionally there are a number of key government agencies that can assist and advise development or funding opportunities.

Slow Food Hunter Valley

Slow Food Hunter Valley (SFHV) is one of the slow food volunteer groups in Australia, all working to make a difference to the local food system.

With an emphasis on supporting small farmers, SFHV came to the aid of a local farmer whose pumpkin crop had been rejected for sale by setting up an initial “pumpkin pop up “stall in The Levee Central Maitland. What was initially an issue with food waste at the farm gate, has become a regular produce stall to connect consumers with their food and their farmers. Further this renewal in farming activity has led to a significant increase in the number of local varieties of food being grown, other small scale farmers building capacity to satisfy the local demand for fresh, seasonal food.

Maitland Business Chamber

Maitland Business Chamber is the peak industry network in Maitland, which has over 200 members.

Membership is a great way to support the area's business community while also having access to entry level, free NSW Business Chamber and Hunter Business Chamber products and services.

Hunter Region Business Hub

Hunter Region Business Hub provides sound business advice for anyone involved in small business, whether you’re taking your first steps, or have extensive experience and need to get to grips with the latest innovations.

The Business Centre - Newcastle

The Business Centre in Newcastle aims to encourage all individuals to explore and develop their business ideas through face to face delivery of support from a qualified, accomplished and genuine team of Business Advisors, Trainers, Mentors and Board of Directors.

New Hunter Business

New Hunter Business is contracted by The Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business to oversee the delivery of the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme and Explore Being My Own Boss workshop.

New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) is a fully funded training program aimed at giving people the skills and confidence to run their own business. Seven weeks of hands on training for your business is supported by a year of ongoing business mentoring to help keep you on track. Eligible participants may qualify for the NEIS allowance as well as rental assistance through the program.

Explore Being My Own Boss is for anyone considering starting a business but not sure how to do it, or whether your idea has “legs”, then this program is a must. You will work through all facets of running a business, test out your idea, work on your brand and get a feel for being your own boss.

New Hunter Business is a not for profit organisation in partnership with The Business Centre and Hunter Region Business Hub.

Training programs and workshops

Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help you start or grow your small business. Our local provider is The Business Centre in Newcastle.

Explore Being Your Own Boss is a 2-week program aimed at unemployed individuals looking at self-employment. Participants gain an understanding of what running a business is all about and begin testing out a business idea. Available through New Hunter Business in partnership with The Business Centre and Hunter Region Business Hub.

New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) is a fully funded training program aimed at giving people the skills and confidence to run their own business. Seven weeks of hands on training for your business is supported by a year of ongoing business mentoring to help keep you on track. Eligible participants may qualify for the NEIS allowance as well as rental assistance through the program. Available through New Hunter Business in partnership with The Business Centre and Hunter Region Business Hub.

Digital Business Solutions is a Federally-subsidised program which provides small businesses with up to 24 hours of digitally-focussed support to help innovate, grow and streamline their operations. Small business who are engaged digitally are 50% more likely to be growing revenue than other similar businesses. This program helps you identify opportunities for improvement, and provides the skills for you to go out and do it. Available through the Hunter Region Business Hub.

Serviced offices, meeting rooms and training facilities

Hunter Region Business Hub (The Hub) is one of over 100 BEC’s that operate nationally. Located in Kurri Kurri, they provide a range of economical services for businesses including easy-leasing arrangements and business mentoring services “on tap”.

Maitland Serviced Offices (MSO) are located in the heart of Maitland. They understand the need for a professional environment where businesses and business owners can establish themselves as their businesses grow or for newcomers to the area.

Old George and Dragon Offices are located in the prime business area of East Maitland, close to Stockland Greenhills and the busy Lawes Street. This 1837 heritage building has been converted into a range of office suites which can cater to growing small businesses.

 

 

 

 

Useful links

Australian Trade and Investment Commission (AusTrade) helps and assists Australian companies and supports business to export products and services.

Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) helps to identify relevant government licences, permits, approvals, regulations and codes of practice needed to meet compliance obligations.

Australian Industry and Defence Network (AIDN) is the peak industry association for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) wishing to do business in the defence and security sectors.

Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) is a membership based organisation with a focus on building competitive and sustainable industries through extensive experience of industrial relations and workplace law.

business.gov.au offers simple and convenient access to all the government information, forms and services needed to plan, start and grow a business.

Export Council of Australia (EAC) provides grant services, networking, support, awards and recognition, trade policy, exporter advocacy.

Grant Finder helps to find grants and assistance to start, run and grow a business.

NSW Department of Industry creates conditions for the NSW community to prosper, particularly through increased investment and competition.

NSW Small Business Commissioner provides high quality business advice, help and services to small business.

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter is a leading economic development agency working to deliver Federal and State Government policies and programs for the benefit of the region. 

TradeStart is an extension of AusTrade, its prime objective is to assist small and medium sized exporters to achieve long term success in international markets.