The NSW Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD) provides a range of special services and programs to assist the regions of NSW meet the challenges that confront them. These challenges are most effectively met through a partnership between Government, businesses and communities. As economic conditions change, DSRD has programs to address both longstanding and emerging economic development issues in regional NSW.
DSRD works actively to build a stronger State by delivering services to regional enterprises, industries and communities. It also recruits new investment to regional areas of NSW. There are DSRD regional offices around the State and the Department also supports the Regional Development Boards.
Business Investment and Development Programs
Business Investment Programs:
Business Development Programs:
Business Drought Assistance Program
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Regional Business Development Scheme
The Regional Business Development Scheme offers financial and other assistance to businesses expanding in, or relocating to, regional NSW. The DSRD Business Development Managers are available to:
For more information contact Jillian Hartley on phone 9338 6916 or email jillian.hartley@business.nsw.gov.au.
Hunter Advantage Fund
The Hunter Advantage Fund is a NSW Government initiative to create additional sustainable employment in the Hunter region.
The level of assistance provided for a project from the Hunter Advantage Fund is based on the number of people it employs. However, other factors, such as the value of the capital invested, the benefit to the region and its compatibility with the region's strategic development, are also considered.
The aim of the Hunter Advantage Fund is to stimulate investment that will generate new jobs in the Local Government Areas of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock and Port Stephens. The Department may provide assistance towards:
For more information contact Margaret Turner on phone 4908 7333 or email margaret.turner@business.nsw.gov.au.
Illawarra Advantage Fund
The NSW Government created the Illawarra Advantage Fund to attract new industries to the Illawarra and boost current business in the region. The fund aims to create long-term, sustainable jobs in the Illawarra.
The Fund provides a range of assistance to eligible businesses looking to establish or expand in the Illawarra region. Assistance is flexible, but geared to securing growth or investment that is unlikely to occur without some up-front assistance to overcome constraints to the project proceeding.
Assistance may include a contribution towards:
For more information contact Donatella D'Amico on phone 4225 9055 or email donatella.d'amico@business.nsw.gov.au.
Regional Economic Transition Scheme
This Scheme has been designed to provide assistance to regional communities and towns hit hard by economic shocks as a result of business closures, industry restructuring and global economic change.
The Scheme provides quick, positive and flexible assistance to reposition and rebuild local economies. It does this by developing strategies and assistance packages to:
For more information contact Paul Mathews on phone 9338 6713 or email paul.mathews@business.nsw.gov.au.
New Market Expansion Program for Regional Enterprise
This Program assists regional firms to develop the confidence and skills to pursue and take up new markets and break the cycle of dependence on traditional markets and/or local economies.
As part of the Program, regular Travelling Expert tours are held in regional centres and towns. The tours brief small and medium-sized firms on current business issues and trends so they are better prepared to take up new opportunities.
Click here for further information on the New Market Expansion Program or contact Sue Wadley on phone 9338 6694 or email sue.wadley@business.nsw.gov.au.
The Business Drought Assistance Program provides assistance to regional businesses severely affected by the drought. Click here for more information or phone 9338 6713 or email droughtassist@business.nsw.gov.au.