Urunga Mylestom Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Local Business Support

Urunga Mylestom Chamber, along with Bellingen Shire go over and above to support local business through the cOVID-19 Crisis.

The economic disruption evolving as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds is occurring at pace in Bellingen Shire. For business owners and their staff this is unexpected and uncharted territory.

Urunga Mylestom Chamber of Commerce has been working hard to provide added support for our members during this crisis.

The aim is to help absolutely every business we can, Chamber has decided to offer FREE membership to all new members until at least 30 June 2020. If you are in business, are self-employed, a sole trader, manage a business or work as a “Tradie” we encourage you to take up this offer. Join now so that you can access the support that is available from Chamber:

• A source of information for business owners
• Provide networking opportunities between business owners
• Connect business owners with experts who can provide support for individual decision making
• Help businesses to connect with opportunities if they are identified
• Provide support for businesses that need to pause
• Provide support for the Well being of business owners & staff
• Sharing ideas on how businesses are adapting to new economic environment

To join the Urunga Mylestom Chamber of Commerce for FREE go to www.urunga.com.au

We are working with our sister Chambers in Dorrigo and Bellingen as part of the Bellingen Shire COVID-19 Pandemic Response Group towards a united approach to helping the business community. We are doing everything we can to prepare, adapt and respond.

We are moving to set up networks for people in business who want to stay connected, feel supported and be informed. While every business has its unique circumstances, many of the challenges faced will be similar. The networks will help each other with practical support, timely information, connection and resources. The network is for business owners impacted by economic downturn or stress now or who might be in the future and anyone who wants to help. 

We have assisted Bellingen Shire Council in setting up a dedicated Business page on the Create Bellingen website  https://create.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/ which has all of the current information about economic measures that have been announced in relation to COVID-19.

Council in collaboration with Chamber has also set up a Business Information Centre which can be reached on 6655 1522 or bushelpcv19@gmail.com .

"Small business is the engine that drives the economy in our area, and we need to protect it through this crisis. We need to support every local business we can so that the owners, managers and staff continue to have a livelihood and live and work in our community”.

“Urunga Chamber is committed to be a strong advocate at all levels of government for businesses in our area, to ensure that every avenue of help available is provided to them. Chamber is committed to helping businesses adapt to the changing environment and ways of doing business. Chamber encourages everyone in our community now more than ever to think local and shop local, to support our local economy”.

“We are blessed to live in a beautiful environment and amongst a wonderful community. Our challenge now is to support as many as we can to stay strong, so that on the other side of this pandemic crisis we can return as a viable and vibrant community”.

Business Support Network-  COVID 19

The  Bellingen Shire Business Support Network are a network of people in business helping each other with practical support, information, connection and resources to get through this together. 

We are doing everything we can to prepare, adapt and respond.

Why Are We Doing This?

The economic disruption evolving as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds is occurring at pace in Bellingen Shire. For business owners and their staff this is unexpected and uncharted territory. We are moving to set up networks for people in business who want to stay connected, feel supported and be informed.

Who Is the Network For?

The network is for business owners impacted by economic downturn or stress now or who might be in the future and anyone who wants to help.  We are calling people who join the network “participants”- irrespective of if they need help or are giving help. This is because everyone’s needs and situation may change as time moves on.

How Does This Work?

Different groups of businesses set up in their areas.

Businesses register on-line or by phone. This is so we can link people up and share information as things keep changing.

Local Networks- by area

Business people in the local network might need help, can provide help or be in both situation at the same time! The business environment is continually changing already and we expect this to continue as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses. This network provides a way for us to help each other adapt to these changes.

The businesses in these groups will be located in a small area- for example, a CBD shopping strip, an industrial area,  or an arts precinct.

Support Networks- by business type

Support networks for businesses with similar areas of endeavour, interest or needs can also be set up- for example, there could be a network for hospitality providers, health related businesses, retailers, accommodation and tourism business and so on.

It is possible to join more than one network.

What Sort of Help Will Networks Provide?

• Be a source of information for business owners
• Provide networking opportunities between business owners
• Connect business owners with experts who can provide support for individual decision making
• Help businesses to connect with opportunities if they are identified
• Provide support businesses that need to pause
• Provide support for the Well being of business owners & staff
• Sharing ideas on how businesses are adapting to new economic environment

How Will We Stay Safe and Maintain Social Distancing?

Strict guidelines are in place for any practical help. Infection control will be strictly managed, and once networks are set up there will be no direct personal contact between participants.

Support will be provided online and by phone- so that participants remain safe in their own space.

Reasons To Join the Network?

• If you are a business owner whose business has been or could be affected by the changes to the economy.
• If you are concerned for your well-being or the well-being of your staff
• If you are unsure where to find correct and current information
• If you feel alone in your business and unsure of the path ahead
• If you have a skill set that may be helpful to others in business and want to help
• If you want to be a local coordinator for the network in your area- which means you will have a coordination role across a defined geographical area or business sector.

How to Get Involved?

The Neighbourhood Care Network is an initiative of the Bellingen Shire Coronavirus Pandemic Response Group.

Register at https://airtable.com/shrLwdFmfGwX6vBwf

Ring the Business Information Centre on 6655 1522

 Email bushelpcv19@gmail.com

Go to www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au for more info

Once registered you will be linked with the Local Coordinator for your area. Each network group will be self-managed. This means that together with your fellow business members in the group you will decide how you work and what sort of help and contact you have with each other. Tools and resources will be provided as they become available.

Privacy

Your contact details will be kept confidential and used only in ways that you consent to when you complete the form.

Risk and Responsibility

This is a local network of business people helping each other. Everyone is responsible for themselves and for maintaining safe infection control practices. Each person participates in this network at their own risk and there is no insurance in place to cover volunteers or liability.

Advice on Offer

This network does not provide any advice about individual business’s financial situation.

This network does not provide any advice about COVID-19 and health related matters.

Who Set Up This Network?

The three Chambers of Commerce across Bellingen Shire; Dorrigo Chamber of Commerce, Bellingen Chamber of Commerce and Urunga Mylestom Chamber of Commerce,  in conjunction with Bellingen Shire Council.

We are part of the Bellingen Shire COVID-19 Response Group. 

"TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY, WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS"