General News
27 January, 2021
Consultant position gaining traction
PLANS to appoint a Business and Economic Development Consultant (BEDC) in Cobden have received a funding boost, with Cobden and Community Bank investing $10,000 into the new Cobden Business Network (CBN) program.
PLANS to appoint a Business and Economic Development Consultant (BEDC) in Cobden have received a funding boost, with Cobden and Community Bank investing $10,000 into the new Cobden Business Network (CBN) program.
The CBN has been working towards providing a BEDC to work with all Cobden and district stakeholders to improve the level of economic and business activity within the township following the St Patrick’s Day fires, challenging dairying conditions and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
CBN had hoped to find a number of sponsors to create a total bank of $30,000 to make the new position a two or three day a week role this year.
Two other businesses have already indicated to CBN they will provide financial support to the program, with the bank’s contribution set to ensure the new consultant can work a minimum of two days a week.
A CBN spokesperson was delighted with the bank’s investment and was hopeful other local businesses may get involved in the program.
“This vote of confidence has provided both a sound financial foundation for the BEDC project as well as great incentive to work hard to build available funds to an amount that will allow the employment of a capable person for two, or even three, days a week for 12 months,” they said.
“To reach the level of funding for two or three days - $25,000 to $30,000 – we are now following up our correspondence to local businesses sent in late 2020.
“We hope to attract contributions from these businesses (and others) to give the BEDC project every change to achieve its stated aims.”
The new position, which has been endorsed by the Corangamite Shire’s tourism and economic department, will action a plan implementing strategies including:
Developing marketing plans for groups of, or individual, Cobden businesses;
Identifying opportunities for Cobden businesses to expand their level of activity;
Reducing overheads for Cobden businesses (energy deals, advertising packages etc);
Encouraging Cobden businesses to network to improve cohesion and support for each other;
Providing coaching and mentoring programs for Cobden business people;
Providing constructive feedback to Cobden businesses;
Educating residents and workers about the advantages of shopping in Cobden;
Educating Cobden businesses about the advantages of shopping in their own town;
Promoting training opportunities for young people in Cobden businesses; and
Attracting new businesses and industryto Cobden.
“We are clear that an employed person will not only complement the work done by the Corangamite Shire staff but will focus their time and energies on businesses in and around the Cobden community,” the spokesperson said.
“The BEDC will operate like a field officer – more hands-on than an office-based person and engaging face-to-face with clients to work through issues.
“The onus will certainly be on building two-way trusting relationships.”
The CBN hopes to have the new position operational by February, with Community Bank manager Ken Black set to play a part in the selection process.