NSW Government’s Business Connect Bus rolled into Bathurst on Thursday, providing advice and guidance for current and potential small business owners.
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State deputy premier and Minister for Small Business John Barilaro originally developed the connect program, which is targeted at advising small businesses in regional areas across the state.
According to Business Connect adviser Russell Meadley, the bus is designed to make it easier for people to come and get advice on small businesses.
“It’s not as formal. We’re here to make it more convenient for people starting a business,” he said.
“We give them easy access to the right information.
“They can come down, duck in for a quick talk. It’s convenient for it be a quick chat then booking in a time.”
Mr Meadley said the bus is “pretty popular” and it always gets a good turn out in Bathurst.
“We help out with anything to do with small business. If I don’t have all the information, I’ll pass you onto someone else who does,” he said.
“People don’t always think about all things regarding small business.
“Grants is one thing people don’t think about, know they’re available or the subsidies available.
“Although the bus is here, I’m always here. We have an office here in Bathurst and anyone can come along at anytime to talk.”
Each adviser visits and engages with the community, in their own area.
Mr Meadley, who is from Bathurst, advises in the city he is from and Blayney, Cowra, Lithgow and Oberon.
George Novak, who drives the bus from place to place, said the vehicle has been all over the state in the past few months.
“Last month the bus was in the Northern Rivers for the flood relief. They assist and help where they can,” he said.
“More recently it has been in the Hunter Valley.”
Originally know as the Small Biz Bus, the bus has now adopted the Business Connect Bus name.
“It changed names, expanding it into different areas,” Mr Noivak said.
The bus will be in Lithgow on Friday, May 26, from 9am to 3pm, located at the Cook Street Plaza.