Newcrest splashing cash on economic recovery for small businesses

The Beyond the Curve program is aimed to give the injection to the Orange, Blayney and Cabonne local government areas.

Cadia General Manager Aaron Brannigan said the program has awarded 70 grants to date, which include financial assistance for gyms, cafes, restaurants, vineyards, beauty salons, travel agents, retail, hotels, motels, allied health and a range of other local businesses.

"COVID-19 has had a significant economic impact on our community and the Business Beyond the Curve program is not only assisting local businesses with current financial impacts but helping them become more sustainable and resilient in the longer term," he said.

The program, which is being run by Central NSW Business HQ and supported by the Orange Business Chamber, involves a grant assistance package to support businesses restarting or recovering following government restrictions.

The help also includes support from qualified advisers in the development of recovery and business continuity plans to equip them to thrive 'beyond the curve' of COVID-19.

Applications are now open and will be reviewed by the Newcrest Business Beyond the Curve Program Committee, which is comprised of members from Business HQ, Orange Business Chamber and Newcrest's Cadia Valley Operations.

Fitness Perfection is one of several local businesses that have been successful in receiving a grant through Newcrest's Business Beyond the Curve Program - a program designed to provide assistance to local small businesses that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

NSW coronavirus restrictions led to a 10-week shutdown in operations for Fitness Perfection, which significantly impacted the business.

Fitness Perfection owner Nickolas Gray said the gym was successful in receiving a Business Beyond the Curve recovery grant which was used towards growing the business through upgrading facilities, installing energy efficient lighting and revamping social marketing and web presentations.

"It's been fantastic the support Newcrest is giving through this program," he said.

"It's big business helping small business through tough times."