Illawarra Business Guide
What + Who You Need To Know If You Run A Business In The Illawarra
This information was kindly brought to you by Illawarra Recruitment.
It’s quite the hairy, scary ride when you own, run and operate a business, especially in the past few years – there are simply no words to describe THAT rollercoaster ride.
But it’s also satisfying, invigorating and inspiring when it all goes right and you have happy customers, fab staff and you’re doing pretty darn well yourself [pat yourself on the back, gang!].
Part of what helps make a business successful is access….access to the right people, the right information, the experts who plug your skills gaps, access to funding or grants that can help you grow or kick start something you just KNOW is going to take your business to the next level.
We’ve put together an information guide to help business owners of the Illawarra access the right info and the right people at the right time……. Locally!
Business support programs for biz owners
There are some fantastic FREE programs [yep! FREE!] available for business owners in the Wollongong and Shellharbour LGAs. Check out the free resources and advice offered by each of the local councils
Other local Chambers and industry associations can offer valuable support, guidance and advice for local business and it’s a good idea to consider joining.
- Business Illawarra
- Corrimal Chamber of Commerce
- Northern Illawarra Chamber of Commerce
- Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce
- Business Dapto
- Kiama and District Business Chamber
- Berry Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
- Albion Park Chamber of Commerce
They range from providing financial advice and guidance through to digital marketing expertise, business planning and more. Head to the Home Business Information and Support page on the Wollongong City Council for more business support info.
Finance
Yep, it makes the world go round and doors to businesses stay open, that’s for sure.
You need a good bookkeeper, financial advisor and/or accountant on your side, that’s for sure, especially if numbers and navigating your way through the finance and banking sector is a little overwhelming for you. Check out our directory for local financial experts who can help you crunch the numbers and make them work for you.
Grants and funding
There are plenty of grants and funding opportunities floating around in our current economic environment. They are absolutely worth researching and applying for. Maybe you just need a few thousand to see you through or a big wad of cash to purchase or create something spectacular…… you’d be surprised about what’s available and when.
Check in with Regional Development Illawarra, an awesome support organisation doing some amazing work with regional business in and around the Illawarra.
Sign up to their Grant Funding Finder to get on the front foot with what is available out there.
Business.gov and Service NSW for Business are also good websites and organisations to link up with for more information about grants and general business advice.
Marketing
Ignoring the marketing side of things is like opening a business and not telling anyone about it! Marketing – whether it be traditional or digital [+ there’s space for both most definitely] – gets your business in front of the right people who need you to solve their problem for them.
So, who can you contact locally to help you?
Well, there’s us, of course! Yep, we use our busy websites and social media platforms to spread the word about local businesses. If your target market lives here, our local area marketing opportunities will hit the sweet spot. Head here to request a copy of our media kit and find out more!
There’s some fab local marketing agencies that can help you with everything from branding to website design through to SEO, social media content and signage. You can find more designers, brand experts and marketing agencies in our Business Directory. So many talented and creative people in the Illawarra- we love it!
People power
Anyone who owns a business knows how important it is to surround yourselves with the right people. A great team makes such a difference to the success and growth and general well being of a business.
The Fold Illawarra’s Jobs Hub, powered by Illawarra Recruitment is a great place to advertise any local jobs.
And if you’re after recruiting advice or need a bit of extra help in that area, Margherita and the awesome team at Illawarra Recruitment are crazy good at what they do so get in touch with them here.
Legal eagles
You have to get those t’s crossed and i’s dotted, people! Protect yourself, your business and your bank balance by making sure you are doing everything by the book.
And yep, it’s a biiiiiig book. We get it…but so necessary to be across all things legal.
Head to our Biz Directory for a list of local lawyers, solicitors and legal experts.
Find your tribe
There are a number of active business and networking groups in the Illawarra which are vital for establishing super useful connections and sometimes it’s just so good to chat with other business owners riding that same rollercoaster you are.
Business Logistics
It’s not sexy but it’s absolutely necessary. The services that keep the engine of your business ticking over. Here’s a list of local suppliers of products and services you need to keep that motor running:
Biz Events
Networking, training, mastering a new skill or just getting an update on the lay of the economic and business land……our Event Directory always has plenty of events – online and face to face – to help you and/or your train to skill up, connect up or level up.
It’s also Small Business Month in October, so keep an eye out for local events then too – lots tend to be funded and free at that time. Handy!
Remember to look after yourself too, guys and if it all gets too much, there are fantastic local mental health experts and services available to you.
And don’t forget to take time out for yourself – whatever that looks like – whether it’s a creative passion, exercise or heading back to nature.
It’s tricky times for our amazing local business owners, so bookmark this Illawarra Business Guide and keep on truckin’!
