When I started working with local businesses, I was shocked to find out just how alone many of our small businesses can feel and how tough they do it. With the ongoing drought, bushfires and now coronavirus, business owners are particularly feeling the pressure and are unsure of what the future holds.

Most of our jobs in the region, if not all of them outside of government, are created by smaller businesses. Around the country as a whole, one out of every two Australian workers is employed by a small business.

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In addition to providing a livelihood for many families, many of the 32,000 businesses in Western NSW, also involve themselves in community building activities, such as kids sports, local charities and events.

That's why it's so essential that we all support each other now to ensure our businesses get through this time, sustain employment and keep our local economies as strong as possible.

Many businesses are putting all the necessary precautions in place to look after the safety of their staff and customers. So, where possible and following social distancing guidelines, keep doing what you normally do like buying your morning coffee, purchasing your meat from the butcher or getting your hair cut.

It is now more important than ever to purchase our goods and services locally and remember this can be done online or via the phone. I have recently seen lots of local cafes and restaurants offering more takeaway or delivery options - so it's well worth looking into!

In particular, we urge the stimulus funding recipients to spend the money with our local businesses. Cash payments, employee support, and the increase in the instant asset write off to $150,000 will equip many local businesses and consumers with stimulus cash which can go a long way towards helping this situation.

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If you are looking for other ways to help a small business, then don't forget that most of our retailers have gift card options that can be purchased online. I've just purchased a gift voucher for a family member's birthday from the local adventure retailer.

And finally, it's so important to share your support for our local businesses online via social media and this can be done by liking, sharing or commenting on a post.

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The important thing to remember is that we may just have to do things a little differently for the near future, but this will pass and everything we do now as a community will help put Western NSW in the best possible position to move forward on the other side.

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