Cessnock City - Pick of the Bunch
Cessnock City Council is fostering economic growth in our region by forming strategic partnerships and developing joint projects with local business. We actively source funding for economic development through all levels of government, business organisations and associations, and industry.
We undertake, encourage and participate in various economic development and tourism projects under Council’s Economic Development Framework.
Business is well supported in Cessnock with four active business chambers, an incorporated tourism association, and a unified viticulture industry group. Council works closely with the Hunter Region Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) and Business Incubator at Kurri Kurri. In 2007, the BEC was awarded the trophy for Best Regional BEC across Australia and won an Australian Government contract to deliver business advisory services to the Local Government Areas of Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton, Dungog, Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter.
The Hunter Region BEC provides services to new and existing businesses, including mentoring, planning support, loans and banking information, legal and accounting services, leasing and compliance advice, staff training programs, and a referral service. It also oversees the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS), an Australian Government incentive as part of the Job Network to provide a comprehensive package of assistance to help eligible unemployed people start their own business. Contact the Hunter Region BEC on 1300 304 794 or log onto www.hunterregionbec.com.au to find out more about their services.
Business support at the regional level is coordinated through strong working relationships with the NSW Department of State and Regional Development and the Hunter Economic Development Corporation. Cessnock City Council is also a member of Hunter Councils.
Both these projects were initiated in an effort to boost local employment and enhance pride in the community. They showcase community business groups and Council working together on a range of initiatives.
Council provides funding to employ a Town Coordinator for Kurri Kurri and Cessnock. For more information on Sustainable Cessnock and Towns with Hearts Inc please contact Council's Economic Development Manager on 4993 4300.
