Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke today said businesspeople in Coolamon Shire can now set up a café, restaurant or small bar in less than 90 days, with the local Council ‘going live’ with the NSW Government’s Easy to do Business program.
Ms Cooke said the decision by Coolamon Shire Council to join the program paves the way for the emergence of a new foodie industry and café culture in the local area, which can now be established in a red-tape free zone.
“I’m a small business person and when I went to set up my business ten years ago it took me almost 18 months,” Ms Cooke said.
“Starting up a hospitality business used to mean completing up to 48 forms and talking to 13 government agencies.
“Now we’ve been able to simplify it, you can jump online and get it done really easily in 90 days or less.
“New cafés, restaurants and small bars create jobs, and we all know how important they are in rural and regional areas – I’m delighted Council has gone live with this great program,” she added.
John Seymour OAM, Mayor of Coolamon Shire Council, said the Easy to do Business program is a great win for the community, creating opportunities for the local economy and culture to thrive.
“The Coolamon Shire Council is partnering with Service NSW to support local businesses to be successful. The Easy to Do Business Program is another way we can help local business people start and grow their business,” he said
Andrew Cottrill, Regional Manager of the NSW Business Chamber Murray Riverina Region said starting up a new business can be very challenging and time consuming.
“The ‘Easy to Do Business’ program will greatly accelerate and simplify the process by guiding start-ups through the registration and licensing procedures. The NSW Business Chamber commends this positive action by the NSW Government in supporting small business investment and growth in NSW,” he said.
Businesses wanting to start up a café, restaurant or small bar can apply at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/easy-do-business or phone 13 77 88.
