Grow your business

Starting, running and growing a business can be exciting and sometimes challenging. Here are some tools and networks to help on your journey.

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Council contacts

When you do business in Maitland, Council is here to help. As a business operator you might need to link in with different teams at Maitland City Council, such as planning, compliance or city and visitor economy. 

We encourage businesses at all stages to contact our Business Engagement Officer. Our Business Engagement Officer can connect you with the people and information you need.

 

 

Starting, innovating, prototyping and scaling up

New to business? The Australian Government’s Starting Your Business Checklist and business plan templates are here.

I2N Integrated Innovation Network fuels the success of innovators and entrepreneurs by connecting them to community, customers, coaching and capital. I2N helps people develop their enterprise skills and impact potential, validate ideas, and accelerate to market.

The Melt is an industrial prototyping lab and innovation accelerator, powering the creation and scaling of products.

Hunter Futurepreneurs is a free business mentoring program funded by the Australian Government to support develop ideas into real businesses.

Business chambers and networks

Maitland Business Chamber is the peak industry network in Maitland. Maitland Business Chamber is an alliance partner of Business Hunter.

Business NSW provides advocacy on key issues affecting businesses in NSW.

Business Australia provide access to tools, templates and advice lines.

Committee for the Hunter is an independent body providing advocacy, civic leadership and championing the interests of the Hunter. 

Business and self employment support programs and centres

Support agencies available to Maitland businesses include:

Hunter Region Business Hub, Kurri Kurri provides sound business advice for anyone involved in small business. 

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

Service NSW for Business is a free service that gives you personalised help when starting or expanding a business. You can access a personal Business Concierge on 13 77 88 or online.

Businesses in Maitland can access the NSW Business Connect program through The Business Centre, Newcastle. The program gives businesses access to an experienced Business Advisor, and advice and resources to run your business.

The Federal Government's Workforce Australia includes self employment assistance to help turn your business idea or existing small business into a viable enterprise. Individuals in Maitland can access:

New Hunter Business

VERTO Ltd

ETC

Entrepreneurship facilitator

Industry bodies, agencies and departments

Australian Trade and Investment Commission (AusTrade) helps Australian businesses 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 do business.

Australian Taxation Office (ATO) manages the tax and superannuation systems that support and fund services for Australians. 

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.

Fair Work NSW provides education and advice to employers, employees and organisations in relation to workplace laws.

Hunter Central Coast Development Corporation supports local initiatives that enhance and celebrate the communities of our region.

Invest NSW attracts investment in NSW by providing data and support for prospective businesses.

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

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter facilitates collaboration between industry, education, research and government to foster economic development in the Hunter

 

Funding

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

Grant connect for businesses mainly in the entrepreneurial, medical, environment and community space.

Maitland City Council's Vibrant City Sponsorship provides financial and in kind sponsorship to community, industry groups, events and initiatives.