Bigger Backyards Central Coast pledging support for local businesses
Locals are getting behind a new website designed to stimulate the Central Coast economy and it is easy to jump on-board.
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Her passion for businesses at The Entrance was highlighted when the Halloween festivities she organised last year attracted thousands of people to the town centre.
Now The Entrance Chamber of Commerce vice president Balinda Katalinic is seeking ways to lift her beauty salon and other small businesses out of the coronavirus uncertainty.
She claimed eight businesses in the town centre had closed permanently due to COVID-19 and she worried for the future of the remaining businesses in what is normally a popular holiday area.
“The businesses that are left have to band together and look at what we can do moving forward,” Ms Katalinic, who owns Polished Day Spa, said.
While she said more upgrades were needed at The Entrance in the long-term, she said initiatives like the recently announced Bigger Backyard Central Coast website gave small businesses hope.
The website and app have been a collaborative design of the Gosford Erina Business Chamber, Wyong Regional Business Chamber, The Entrance Chamber and Peninsula Chamber; supported by Central Coast Council and Business NSW.
A “pledgeathon” is being run through May in the hope of reaching 500 pledges from businesses prepared to buy locally in an effort to stimulate the economy. Pledges are already at 250, with feedback showing that about 40 per cent of local businesses have had their supply chains or distribution chains impacted during COVID-19.
Initially developed to help reinvigorate the declining town centres of Woy Woy, The Entrance, Gosford Erina and Wyong, the website was quickly expanded to provide a COVID-19 response and ensure all businesses had another avenue to be visible.
The website is part of a longer-term chamber-led economic initiative called In Good Company, designed to boost the local business economy and create a business identity for the Central Coast.
Ms Katalinic pleaded with locals to observe social distancing to ensure small businesses can reopen as soon as possible and have a “fighting chance” at survival.
“I’ve only been able to keep my business ticking over due to the support from diehard clients,” she said.
“Even Mother’s Day sales helped to pay the rent for the next month.”
Details: https://biggerbackyard.ingoodcompanycentralcoast.com.au/