Business Activation Fund

Coonamble Shire Business Activation Fund - Guidelines

Council’s role in economic development is to provide leadership and direction in order to foster, encourage and maximise sustainable development opportunities within Coonamble Shire.

Council facilitates business partnerships, participates in local and regional networks and assists with research and planning in the identification of business opportunities.

In order to encourage diverse and innovative business initiatives across Coonamble Shire, Council may offer incentives and support through their Business Activation Policy.

The Business Activation Fund provides a limited financial incentive of $5000 to eligible small businesses to develop and expand in the three urban areas of Coonamble Shire.

A maximum annual budget for the Business Activation Fund will be set by Council.

Applications will be considered by the full council via confidential discussion in a Closed Session at meetings scheduled for February, June and September. Applications are welcome at any time but will be held for consideration three times each year. 

Closing dates and times: 4:30pm on the last day of January, April and August

2. Who is it for?

The Business Activation Fund is open to businesses currently operating in Coonamble Shire or new businesses who demonstrate their establishment within an appropriate zoning of one of the three urban areas of the Shire – Coonamble, Gulargambone or Quambone.

The fund supports businesses that will directly or indirectly provide increased employment opportunities to the residents of Coonamble Shire or introduce an additional or unique service or range of products for which there is proven demand.

Definitions to assist you in determining eligibility can be found in the Business Activation Policy. Here

Business owners are encouraged to contact Council’s Manager, Economic Development & Growth with any questions on (02) 68271945 or email: edg@coonambleshire.nsw.gov.au.

3. Application Process

All documentation supplied is treated confidentially.

Step 1: complete the online application form and attach required documentation.

Step 2: submit a digital application through the form below or via email to council@coonambleshire.nsw.gov.au with APPLICATION – BUSINESS ACTIVATION FUND in the subject line.

OR

complete a hard copy application form and deliver to Coonamble Shire Council, 80 Castlereagh St, Coonamble or post to Business Activation Fund, Coonamble Shire Council, PO Box 249, Coonamble, NSW, 2829.

Step 3: Respond in a timely manner to any additional questions from council staff responsible for the Fund.

4. Approval Process

· An eligible small business submits to Council a completed Business Activation Application, along with required documentation.

· The application and supporting documentation is checked to confirm it meets all criteria of eligibility under the Business Activation Policy; the business owner is advised that further documentation is required if the application is to proceed.

· The application and supporting documentation are submitted for determination by the elected Council or a committee appointed by Council.

· Business owners are notified of the determination of their application.

5. Payment

· Coonamble Shire Council provide a one-off business activation payment, limited to $5,000* (*inc. GST if the applicant entity is registered for GST)

· Payment will be made in two instalments of $2,500*; with Instalment 1 paid at the time of approval, and then between six months and one year from the date of the first payment.

· Successful applicants will receive a Purchase Order for $5000, valid for one year, showing two instalments of $2,500.

· Payment will be made via a correctly rendered tax invoice to Coonamble Shire Council, showing Instalment 1 or 2 and quoting the Purchase Order number.

· Payment will be dependent on verified evidence of the continued viability of the business

· The second payment will require evidence of expenditure on agreed items/services.

· Council pays each invoice in the course of its normal creditor payment schedule.