The scholarships have been made possible after Council received funding from the NSW Department of Industry under the Future Towns Program.  

Council has engaged marketing and brand expert, Kirsten Basford, to facilitate the program.

Ms Basford said initially, the scholarships were only available for 30 businesses but due to an overwhelming number of high quality applications, it has been extended into two categories - tier one and tier two.  

Tier one of the program includes one-on-one mentoring and two live group workshops for each business while tier two includes two tailored live workshops and the establishment of an interactive ‘private’ group platform via Facebook.

“We received 62 applications from a diverse range of industries,” Ms Basford said.  

“Because of the high calibre of applications, it was decided that an additional 32 places be awarded as tier two scholarships. 

“I am thrilled that we have been able to provide training to all of the businesses that applied.

“Each business will complete the training with a detailed marketing strategy for their business and a robust digital marketing plan in place.” 

To view a list of all the successful applicants for tier one and two visit: www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/mvlb

Crescent Head Surf Co. is one of the successful businesses who have been awarded a tier one scholarship.

The business is owned and operated by husband and wife team Peter and Kathy Cornish who say they are looking forward to the opportunity to increase their skills and expand their business. 

“The scholarship being offered by Council is a very positive step in enabling local business to advance by providing the knowledge and skill sets to improve trade opportunities,” Kathy said. 

The workshops will start on 8 May at the Kempsey-Macleay RSL Club.