Shop local during Small Business Month

Small businesses are a vital part of our community and we know they’ve been hit hard during the pandemic.

October is Small Business Month, let’s all support our small businesses by shopping and dining locally. Council is also offering a range of supports to small business owners – including grants, webinars and support with sustainability initiatives – to help them get back on their feet.

30 minute free parking for metered spaces in the Paddington and Double Bay commercial centres was also introduced this month to make it easier for everyone to shop local.

Mayor Susan Wynne recently caught up with some small businesses in our local area.

“We are keen to continue the support we have already offered to small businesses, and this starts with finding out their priorities which will help inform our response,” the Mayor said.

Mayor Susan Wynne visiting the Watsons Bay Milk Bar

Free webinars for small business owners and managers

We are running a number of free webinars for small business owners throughout October:

• Thriving through change - local business owners and managers will share honest and inspiring stories about how their businesses have pivoted in response to COVID-19 and other unexpected changes. Tuesday 20 October, 2.00pm-3.00pm. Registrations essential.
• Small business connector - find out about small business support services, campaigns and grants available from state and local governments and non-for profit organisations. Tuesday 13 October, 2.00pm-3.00pm. Registrations essential.
• Leading through uncertainty - join us for this interactive online workshop with Leadership Strategist Nicole Hatherly. With confident and consistent leadership, your team can continue to deliver exceptional outcomes during times of change. Thursday 22 October, 12.00pm-12.45pm. Registrations essential.

Placemaking Grants are open for applications

Our Placemaking Grants Program supports projects to connect our people and the places they share. Read about some of the exciting initiatives we supported through grants recently.

The second round of the 2020/21 program is offering grants of up to $3,500 for owners of commercial properties, business owners/operators and not-for-profit organisations who provide an activity or program that contributes to our commercial centres being vital public destinations.

Applications close Saturday 31 October 2020.

How can Council best support our small businesses? Share your feedback for a chance to win a one-on-one mentoring session

We'd love to hear from local small businesses about how Council can best support them. Share your feedback by taking this short survey and you could win a 1 hour free business coaching session. Survey closes Friday October 30 2020.

Our Environment Our Business

Does your business already promote sustainability?

Would you like support to make your business more sustainable?

Woollahra Council’s business sustainability program, Our Environment Our Business supports and showcases local businesses and not-for-profits who are leading the way with sustainability action.

Join the program and we’ll help you to showcase your business and the sustainability steps you’re taking, to make your efforts and actions more visible. You'll also get discounts, services, mentoring and information to help you reduce energy bills, avoid single-use plastics, manage waste and more.