Business Summit
(virtual)
Held 6 October 2021 – 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Summary and outcomes: Welcome from the Mayor The Mayor announced a Vibrant Villages Centre Recovery Program, he had presented to Council as an outcome from the previous business summit. The main aim of the program is to support people returning to our centres by creating safe and vibrant public spaces, activated by culture and arts and working with business to adapt and enhance their trading for longer. Potential new spaces are also being looked at as part of the program. This program was adopted by Council on 19 th October and will now be rolled out.
Outcomes Item raised
Officer investigation
Outcome
Free pop up stalls for business owners - home based businesses in particular are looking to regain profile with the public.
Council is currently working on a Local Approvals Policy which will allow for this kind of opportunity.
Promotion of business: - generic flyer - local City of Canada Bay Passport - business expo - leverage Halloween
With approximately 10,000 businesses registered in our City a generic flyer showcasing specific businesses is cost prohibitive. Council has initiated the Love Local campaign and invites businesses to participate, promoting the Love Local business map to our residents. This serves the same purpose as a flyer and can in addition be built upon.
As part of the Vibrant Villages Centre Recovery Program Council will look to provide a stall at outdoor activations. Businesses will be able to apply. Continue to invest and build on the Love Local campaign. Presently promoted on bus shelters, in Councils social media and print publications and publicised through collaborative partnerships.
A City of Canada Bay passport is cost prohibitive and resource intense, at this time Council will focus on the Love Local campaign. Recognising the desire for a business expo Council will investigate further.
Jellicoe Shared Space –
The size of an LED sign would entail
Small Business Month will be held in March 2022. Council will investigate running a business expo in March. Council will be running a “Find the Pumpkin”promotion and will collaborate with any businesses wishing to be involved. Propose printed signage 20 October 2021
Item raised
Officer investigation
Outcome
introduction of temporary LED sign to advertise activities
siting either in a carpark space or on the fence line between the tree and outdoor dining. Carparking availability has been cited as a premium in Majors Bay Road, losing one space for an extended period of time would therefore not be advisable. The second location poses a difficulty when activities occur and at the installation of the Christmas tree. The Business use of footpath policy states that businesses licensing outdoor dining areas need to keep them clean at all times.
in the space for upcoming activities.
Presentation of centres, in particular Majors Bay Road - cleanliness of footpath trading areas - lights not working in median strip in Majors Bay Road - the clock not telling the correct time Use of the footpath in Five Dock to create interest. - proposal for rope and red carpet leading into business premises.
Other ideas for Five Dock - increase promotion of the shopping centre by more directional signage to the centre - provide colourful centres at Fred Kelly Place and the green outside the Post Office - carparking issues Activities in Rhodes, including use of the Leeds Street carpark, Lewis Berger Park and foreshore for food, music, movies and night markets.
The Business use of footpath policy was created to enable the business use of the footpath without compromising the safety of pedestrians. The red carpet presents a potential trip hazard to pedestrians and as it would have to be located on the kerbside has the potential to pose a hazard to motorists. Council officers will investigate the signage suggested.
Officers, with the support of Chambers, will advocate for funds to create smart signage in the space located in the flowerbed near the pedestrian crossing. Property and Building Services have been advised and will investigate further. Maintenance requests have been created for the lights and clock. An alternative to create interest and visual appeal could be chalk art or potential welcome mats in the form of stickers. These would not present a safety hazard and could be installed on the building line. This will form part of the Metro Manifesto. Further investigation on signage is required.
The carparking issues have been noted and Council will continue to investigate potential solutions.
A Metro Manifesto is being created and will include avenues to provide for colourful centres.
Council in principle supports the idea of a night market in the area near the Rhodes Boat Ramp/John Whitton Reserve but this will need to be investigated further to ascertain commercial interest and viability in the space. The other location in Leeds Street, at the carpark near IKEA’s warehouse would also need in-depth investigation as an area with low foot traffic.
Programming for parks, foreshore and the car park has to maximise potential numbers attending, engagement of businesses and not be cost prohibitive. Council will look at current programming and assess in light of these suggestions.
20 October 2021
Item raised
Officer investigation
Outcome
Doggy Night Out (includes movies) could potentially move to Lewis Berger Park. This site as opposed to Union Square does not provide easy access for restaurants which needs to be factored in.
Business Resources Connecting with Council If you have any queries about business Council has Place Management Coordinators across the City in the following areas:
Rhodes and Drummoyne: Saskia Vromans, tel: 9911 6548 Saskia.Vromans@canadabay.nsw.gov.au Five Dock and Mortlake: Vincent Conroy, tel: 9911 6422 Vincent.Conroy@canadabay.nsw.gov.au Chiswick, Concord West and Concord, tel: 9911 6524 Tara.Wilkinson@canadabay.nsw.gov.au
General queries
Stephanie Kelly, Manager of Place Management, tel: 9911 6521 Stephanie.Kelly@canadabay.nsw.gov.au Kristyne Arneill, tel: 9911 6555, business@canadabay.nsw.gov.au
City of Canada Bay The Business Hub has current information on grants, details on sector specific information, training possibilities and some of the current promotional campaigns for business.
Be part of local promotions
#PayItForward and Love Local A promotion to encourage residents to purchase vouchers from local businesses for when they re-open. To add yourself to the business map visit here.
Dine & Discover Promoting the use of the Dine & Discover vouchers to local residents. To add your business visit here.
Town centre grants Grants are available to business owners to help support in the re-opening of our town centres once restrictions ease. These cover grants for evening activation and small place activation grants. For info click here and to start an application click here.
20 October 2021
Local Chambers of Commerce
Five Dock Chamber of Commerce E info@fivedockchambers.com.au
President: Tony Fasanella — 0439 438 837
Majors Bay Road Chamber of Commerce E majorsbaychamber@gmail.com
President: Christian Bracci — 0408 350 321
Drummoyne Chamber of Commerce E drummoynechamber@gmail.com
President: Serge Derkatch — 0416 222 122
Government Grants The NSW government has a variety of financial support for businesses. Full details can be found at Service NSW.
20 October 2021