Name Change 19/4/12

Media Release 19/4/12

BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAM HELPS 180 LOCAL BUSINESSES THROUGH TOUGH TIMES OF GETTING STARTED

The StartUp Business Development Program which has assisted over 180 local businesses in getting through the hurdles of the first 12 months of operation is expanding with the introduction of two new programs, the opening of new branches in both Taree and the Nambucca- Bellingen areas, and a new name, the Edmund Barton Centre.

The Program commenced offering services in the Port Macquarie Hastings area at the beginning of 2009 with the prime objective of reducing the high failure rate of start up business in regional Australia.

“We have assisted over 180 aspirant local businesses to first make the important decision as to the viability of their business and mentoring assistance during that crucial first 12 months of business,” said Grant Burtenshaw, General Manager of the Edmund Barton Centre.

“We are very proud of the success of the close to one hundred businesses that have commenced operations and look forward to assisting many more as we grow locally and into other areas of regional NSW.

Mr. Burtenshaw said the new name Edmund Barton Centre was chosen to recognise that Australia’s first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton, who represented the people of the Hastings and Macleay, had a passion for education, strong local communities and vibrant regional economies. The Edmund Barton Centre is under the expert guidance of a Board whose members President Kellon Beard, Adam Roberts, Gary Allen, Muyesser Durur, Joy Corben, John Ross, Ivana Agapiou, Melanie Wass, Geoff Hawkins and Haydn Oriti are charged with the task of seeing its successful expansion across regional Australia.

Mr. Burtenshaw said the popularity of the Startup Business Development Program had generated interest from established local business owners that wanted support in the later stages of business operating.

“Strong demand from established businesses has seen the need to development the Key Business Enhancement Program. This program provides support in three ways; through a ‘business buddy’ to talk through ideas and concepts; helping solve existing issues or problems; and providing advice to business owners looking to make significant changes to their business.

Mr. Burtenshaw said the third program, Inspire, was designed to help drive the creation a business friendly environment.

“We’re recognised that often the challenge for a business is not internal but external. It’s the business environment in which they operate that can determine their success or failure.

“Through strong advocacy agenda and working with other organisations we are trying to drive positive change in the business environment to ensure every business has a chance to succeed.”

In the Port Macquarie Hastings region those wanting further information on any of our programs should contact our local coordinator Sue Macpherson on 0437 882 002 or visit our website, www.edmundbartoncentre.com.au.

Media Contact:

Grant Burtenshaw
0478 397 861
grant@edmundbartoncentre.com.au