Business development and events

We want our local businesses to thrive.  Council, state and federal agencies, and not for profit organisations provide training and development pathways for local businesses.  Check out some of the events, professional development pathways and opportunities on offer.

Council supports business

Council is committed to providing an environment that supports local business by:  

  • Encouraging employment generating industry and boosting export oriented or import replacing companies

  • Running a successful program of events and activations throughout the year to drive visitation to Maitland
  • Investing in key infrastructure projects to drive business attraction and enhance liveability
  • Delivering promotional and marketing campaigns that showcase Maitland as a great place to work, live and visit
  • Partnering with Service NSW to simplify the process for locals to start, run and grow a business through the Easy to do Business program
  • Connecting businesses with the right support including specialist advice, training and funding opportunities

We encourage starts ups and established businesses to connect with Council's City Economy Team to learn about local opportunities.

 

 

 

Training programs

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.

Small Business Month

NSW Small Business Month is an annual celebration of small and medium businesses. 

For Small Business Month 2020, Maitland City Council ran a visual merchandising program.  With support from the NSW Government, we were pleased to deliver an online workshop with Carol B, of Retail Revamp, and offer merchandising coaching at participating businesses.   

A highlight of the program was a shop window makeover on 15 October 2020.  When Council issued a call out for local businesses wanting an expert shop window makeover, Sue Towns, owner of Flight Dance Supplies jumped at the opportunity. Expert merchandiser Carol B took over the store to demonstrate some quick and inexpensive ways to enhance a retail environment.

Check out the video to gather some merchandising inspiration.