Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams is encouraging people to support small business and shop local during Small Business Month.

Local business owners are encouraged to take part in the month-long celebration of all things small business during October.

“In the wake of devastating bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, we know this is the one of the toughest years many small businesses have faced. Many have suffered immeasurable losses,” Mrs Williams said.

“By buying local, you are helping to keep people employed and shop doors open. So this month, support our small businesses and shop local.

“NSW Small Business Month is an opportunity to celebrate our small business owners, their valuable contributions to our local communities and their resilience. We also want to focus on ways to reboot and look at ways of doing business differently to get ahead,” Mrs Williams said.

“NSW is home to more than 785,000 small businesses who make a valuable contribution; they make up 97.5 per cent of businesses in NSW and employ more than 41 per cent of the private sector workforce

“This year’s NSW Small Business Month will build on the success of the past three years by collaborating with 219 local councils and chambers of commerce, as well as over 180 festival partners, across the state.

“Up to $640,000 in funding was made available this year with 93 councils and 126 local chambers of commerce receiving grants to host COVID-Safe events,” Mrs Williams said.

The events cover a range of innovative and diverse topics including leveraging social media and getting your brand online.

For further information, visit businessmonth.nsw.gov.au