A new Business and Recovery Hub has opened in Cooma to help local businesses prosper. File image.

The Snowy Monaro Regional Council and Business Australia have joined together to open a new Business and Recovery Hub in Cooma on Monday 26 April.

The Hub will act as a one stop shop to connect business owners and the community with bushfire recovery support, as well as advice and referrals to a wide range of business and community services. 

Following the Black Summer Fires, drought, floods, and COVID-19 induced border closures and capacity restrictions during peak tourism season, the aim of The Hub is to help support businesses in the Snowy Monaro region recover and prosper.

Business Australia regional business manager, Ben Verning, said The Hub is a step in the right direction.

“It has been a challenging time for the community, The Hub is another step in the right direction to support economic and social recovery,” Mr Verning said.

“We’re very happy to be working with Snowy Monaro Regional Council, we’ve seen other Recovery Hubs work really well before and look forward to helping businesses in the region.”

The Hub will offers practical support, planning and rebuilding services, and case support for not-for-profits and businesses. Image supplied.

Chief customer experience officer at Business Australia, Richard Spencer, said following COVID-19, the ability to evolve and adapt has become critical for local businesses.

“Many businesses have, understandably, been focusing their attention on short-term survival in what has been one of the most tumultuous 12 months we have seen in Australia,” Mr Spencer said.

“We are pleased to offer a wide range of services to support local business owners in planning for the future and taking their business to the next level.”

The Business and Recovery Hub, funded by the state and federal governments, will offer practical support, planning and rebuilding services, and case support for not-for-profits and businesses.

The support will include information about available grant opportunities, financial counselling, legal advice, mental health and wellbeing support, and rebuilding support services.

 The Hub will also be regularly attended by business support services including Business Connect, Strengthening Business, and the REWiRE Small Business Program, as well as Council’s community recovery officer and assistant recovery officers.

The Business and Recovery Hub is located at 57 Vale Street, Cooma and is open weekdays 8.30am-4.30pm. For more information, visit www.snowymonaro.nsw.gov.au

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