Support for Local Business from Mid-Western Regional Council

Posted On July 28, 2020

Information on three initiatives Council has launched as part of its 12 month campaign to support local businesses through COVID-19. Council recognises there is great uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic, and local businesses require support to not only survive the crisis but to recover and thrive into the future. Council is coordinating a number of ways to support local business through the provision of education and information.

1. Crisis Marketing Short Course

Mid-Western Regional Council has funded a ‘Crisis Marketing’ online short course to support local businesses through COVID-19, and to provide businesses with tools to navigate the crisis. The Crisis Marketing short course is a free online short course which contains multiple video lessons, live event training and additional online resources. In the course, local business owners learn how to:

  • minimise disruption to their business during the crisis
  • identify new opportunities and revenue streams
  • set up for a quick recovery emerging out of the crisis

Some topics covered in the course include:

  • Google search
  • Communication strategy
  • Content creation
  • Targeted and paid marketing campaigns
  • Building trust and authority
  • Growing a customer network
  • Mindset, focus and opportunity
  • Working remote
  • Social media marketing
  • Marketing apps and tools

This course is beneficial for local businesses as it supports owner’s knowledge on how to increase their customer network, how to build trust and authority online, and how to motivate people to engage with their business online.

I invite you to take the Crisis Marketing course, and share with your networks.

The course is instructed by Grant Hartley, who has spoken on stage with Google, and has spoken live to business owner audiences at education events for the past 8 years.

Course registrations can be made here. For more information on the Crisis Marketing course visit https://www.brandlocal.com/midwestern

2. Mudgee Region Business Online Portal

Mudgee Region Business is a free online platform developed by Council where local businesses can connect with suppliers and customers in a one-stop-shop. Businesses can:

  • create a listing to increase business visibility
  • promote products and services
  • network with other businesses
  • access business only events
  • find new customers and suppliers
  • learn how to improve Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and drive web traffic
  • upload expert blog posts and business news to market to new customers
  • access procurement opportunities and Request For Quotes (RFQs)

To register on Mudgee Region Business, click here.

3.COVID-19 Rates Support

Council is providing assistance through the implementation of Rates relief for residents and businesses. This assistance includes an extension of the due date for Rates due in August 2020 to a new date of 30 September 2020. To request an extension for payment regarding the August 2020 Rates and Charges Notices click here.