The hospitality and tourism sectors seem to have moved into recovery mode with domestic visitation in NSW increasing each week. It's been great to see the streets of our towns and villages alive and bustling again. With school holidays starting next week, we’re certain the pick-up will continue right through the summer months.

Welcome Phil Gibson to the RDA Southern Inland team. Phil started with us as our Grants and Projects Officer. Phil has extensive experience in grant writing and funding acquisition and is available to assist businesses and community groups with the application process on a fee-for-service basis.

Small businesses in NSW have been using contactless payments for close to 10 years but COVID-19 has accelerated use of the technology and the demise of cash.

Last year, ‘tap and go’ and online payments became the main, and preferred method of payment offered by small business due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Small Business Commissioner spoke to Mark McKenzie, Chair of COSBOA, the peak body for small business organisations, about the outlook for 2021

Remember that old saying, if all the fish are swimming in one direction, dare to be different and swim in the opposite way. It’s kind of similar when it comes to lead generation and growing your business.

There are promising signs for retailers as Christmas approaches, with Australians seemingly shaking off the shackles of a torrid year.

Businesses also appear to be finishing 2020 in a more buoyant mood with confidence rising to its highest level since mid-2019.

Take a drive through any number of NSW South Coast towns impacted by last summer’s bushfires, and you’ll see communities busily getting on with the business of recovery. There’s a palpable sense of gratitude when you stop for a coffee, a browse in store, or check-in to spend a night

For some people it is a dream to work for themselves, a desire to make an exciting idea real. Some of these people will jump into the deep end without a second thought, but others are left with the weight of the security of their day jobs which may see their vision of becoming a business owner slip away.

Goulburn Connect were delighted to host Peter Strong, CEO of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, last Tuesday for their monthly networking event.

Goulburn Connect has recently relaunched after a break due to Covid-19 restrictions. The monthly event is now run with a maximum of 20 attendees and livestreamed to the Goulburn Region Innovation Network Facebook page.

Prior to COVID-19, Rebecca Day, founder of The Cheeky Chocolate Queen, didn’t need to brainstorm ways to stay adaptable, but once the coronavirus crisis hit, Ms Day found herself in search of ways to pivot her business to keep orders rolling in.

Throughout this period, RDA Southern Inland has remained focused on being a trusted source of information and support for our region. BusSi has been a regional game-changer and we’re so proud of the positive engagement that has seen.

Recovery in our regions is going to take some time and we know there are still many people doing it tough. RDASI is here to help wherever we can, so please get in contact if you need our support.

RDA Southern Inland, provides support to time-poor businesses in the region to connect with others and access business support and information.