Blue Mountains: small business support in your area

Small businesses in the Blue Mountains have been facing many challenges, with the extensive bushfires of 2019/2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic. These events have had a significant impact on businesses across the region, especially those relying on tourism.

This page provides you with information on some of the support services available in your area, whether it is for mental health, business support or help with managing adversity and build resilience.

Social support

Seeking social support by connecting with other small business owners is a great way to look after yourself. Consider joining a local business networking group to discuss the challenges of running a business. Some networking groups in your area:

• Local Area Marketing and Networking: a group for small business owners who want to harness the power of networking, referral, collaboration and local area marketing to grow their business in a relaxed environment.
• Business Made Social: this group is for any Blue Mountains-based business owner to attend informal business events. Membership and events are free.
• Women with Altitude: a social enterprise membership community focussed on connecting you with opportunities to propel you towards your goals.

Business support

The small business environment has changed significantly since 2020, and you may be looking for support to adapt to these changes. Have a look at the below supports to help keep your business on track.

• Blue Mountains Regional Business Chamber: holds monthly networking events for business owners, and runs a business mentoring program for existing businesses that need help to get to the next level.
• Business connect: a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides independent business advice and events to help you start, run, adapt or grow your small business. You can speak with an advisor to see how you can achieve your business goals.
• Blue Mountains Australia: take a look at some of the other business support networks and organisations in the Blue Mountains region.

Mental health support

Whether you are stressed and worried about your business, or feeling sad and down about things happening in your personal life, it is helpful to talk to someone. Take a look at some of sites below that can direct you to the most relevant service.

• Mental Health Help: navigate this website by entering how you are feeling. You can find out more information, signs and symptoms, and who you can go to for help.
• Mental health services: find mental health services in the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District.
• Support directory: the Human Services Network has a directory of support services available in the Blue Mountains. Have a look to find services relevant to you.

Bushfire support

Although some time has passed since the 2019 bushfires in the Blue Mountains, many people are still dealing with the aftermath. This may be physically rebuilding your home and business, or mentally overcoming these events. Some bushfire resources that might be relevant to you:

• Support for businesses: the Blue Mountains City Council has compiled a list of resources that may be useful to you. It provides information and links to available support.
• Business concierge call: you can book a call with a Service NSW business concierge to get help accessing COVID-19 and bushfire support, and information on how to adapt your business and get back on your feet.
• Service directory: take a look at this directory to find practical and mental health bushfire support services in the Blue Mountains region.

COVID-19 support

COVID-19 has had a massive impact on businesses across the world, particularly small business owners. Living in an area reliant on tourism is difficult when people are travelling less. Below are some services available to help small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19.

• Business support and resources: Service NSW has information on all the business supports and resources available to you. This includes financial, business, and mental health support.
• Recovery for Business: Blue Mountains City Council has provided information and links to the support services available to you as a business owner in the Blue Mountains.
• COVID-19 resources: have a look at this directory to find practical and mental health COVID-19 support services in the Blue Mountains region.

Have we missed anything?

Do you know of a free support service that would be useful for small business owners in the Blue Mountains? Please email us on [email protected] and let us know.