The long haul up the hill from the Southern Cross University carpark to Block A and climbing the stairs to access the Northern Rivers Business Hub is a thing of the past as the Hub has found a smaller but more convenient home still on the university grounds. Good news for the rest of the summer.

Business NSW established the Northern Rivers Business Hub in partnership with Southern Cross University (SCU) as a crisis and emergency response to support businesses impacted by the devesting natural disaster last year.

“We knew how important it was to provide a place for business leaders to belong, be supported and continue their business operations as best they could and in a professional environment,” says Jane Laverty, Regional Director Business NSW.

“They had lost their place of business, stock, computers, phones and records with a mammoth task in front of them to recover.

“We initially thought the Hub may be a 12-week arrangement, however, there continued to be a need from business to have access to the Hub resources and the capacity to be assisted with funding information and navigating support options as well as connecting with key leaders.

“Through further collaboration with SCU and the NSW Department of Regional NSW, we are now extending the Hub operations another 6 months and have a fantastic new location on the University campus,’’ said Mrs Laverty.

Instead of using the left side carpark, those who wish to use the new Hub location should drive into the right side carpark near the SCU Gym and walk up past the gym to Goodman Plaza where the eateries are situated. You will find the NRs Business Hub on the left-hand side after you enter the plaza.

“We are really excited to have a new Hub location in the Goodman Plaza (Unit 10), it is very accessible, close to parking and surrounded by great cafes. We have created a welcoming co-working space with individual hot desks and a collab-long table where you can set up for an hour or two or even the day.

"There is internet and printer access available and a Hub officer who can connect you to further support or advise on the programs being delivered various stakeholders to support recovery or establishing and pivoting your business model.

(Inside the new Northern Rivers Business Hub SCU location in Goodman Plaza)

“One of the programs that we are really pleased to be rolling out through the Hub is a Wellbeing in Business initiative delivered by Tim Jack Adams from GreenX7. Tim is based in the region but engaged globally for his cutting-edge program and insights into personal and professional wellbeing. We are fortunate to have him dedicate time to this program and champion our region’s businesses in this way. There is understandably a lot of fatigue and we want to support our leaders and their staff with practical and innovative strategies.

“We are also excited to be working closely with the University and their staff and students to strengthen their connection with business. I know the Hub’s physical space and the initiatives delivered will result in advancing recovery, greater business productivity and overall outcomes for our region.

The Northern Rivers Business Hub hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm with access to the co-working spaces. Events and workshops will also be scheduled before and after business hours with more detail available through the Business NSW Northern Rivers Facebook page.

“We are grateful for this support on the ground from Regional NSW and Southern Cross University and look forward to welcoming businesses to the Northern Rivers Business Hub," Jane concluded.

 About Business NSW 

Formerly the NSW Business Chamber, Business NSW is the peak policy and advocacy body which has been representing businesses in NSW since 1826.