Support for business owners impacted by bushfires

Tuesday, 21 January 2020

Small business owners whose business premises have been impacted by bushfires can access temporary coworking deskspace operated by several NSW universities, including the University of Newcastle's I2N Hubs at Newcastle City, Williamtown and Muswellbrook.

Entrepreneurs are some of the most resilient people in our communities but these recent devastating bushfires have far-reaching impacts and consequences that are yet to be fully realised. As such, the University of Newcastle is offering what it can to support business owners who have been displaced from their commercial or home-based business premises to enable them to maintain continuity in their venture.

While the Hunter region has largely been spared the worst of recent bushfires, business owners who have been impacted in other locations and are relocating to the Hunter are encouraged to make an expression of interest which will be assessed on a case by case basis.

The University's Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) operates three innovation hubs with dedicated co-working spaces for business owners at Hunter Street (Newcastle City), Williamtown and Muswellbrook. Temporary access to desks, free wifi, printing, and access to a welcoming community of business owners will be provided on a rolling 30-day basis with regular check-ins to determine any additional support required.

For those business owners wishing to make an expression of interest, please contact us at i2n@newcastle.edu.au, including the following details:

  • Business name
  • ABN
  • Most recent business address
  • Preferred hub location (Hunter Street, Williamtown or Muswellbrook)
  • Preferred start date
  • Preferred number of desks required
  • Contact name and phone number

An I2N representative will then be in contact to discuss your circumstances after which your EOI will be quickly assessed.

Desk spaces are also available at several other universities including:

Service NSW is working in collaboration with Federal, State and Local Governments to bring together all the services available to help small businesses get the support they need. For more details on programs, grants, loans, and emergency assistance visit the website of the Small Business Commissioner.

If you are a bushfire-impacted business owner you can provide details of your situation to help inform the ongoing recovery initiatives via this survey.

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