NSW Minister for Small Business Damien Tudehope said Kempsey Shire Council was one of almost 70 NSW councils to join business leaders, mayors and experts from across the country to plan and discuss strategies to stimulate local economies.

"Small Business Friendly Councils is a fantastic initiative that provides all NSW councils with information, workshops, networking opportunities and resources to support local businesses," Mr Tudehope said.

"This inaugural conference was a significant milestone for the Small Business Friendly Councils initiative, and I was pleased to join Kempsey Shire Council to celebrate their involvement."

Kempsey Shire Council was presented with a plaque to recognise its commitment to the Small Business Friendly Councils initiative and Easy to do Business.

"We are proud to be part of this great initiative that helps small businesses navigate their way through red tape to get started quickly and succeed," Mayor Liz Campbell said.

NSW Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello also attended the conference to acknowledge the council joining theEasy to do Business program.

"This award-winning program puts customers at the heart of everything we do and transforms how small business owners transact with government," Mr Dominello said.

"Easy to do Business has been a huge success, with 108 NSW councils now on board, covering two-thirds of the state.

"Through this program, small business owners can access free online and phone support from Service NSW's Business Concierge, which means they can start, open and grow much faster."

NSW Small Business Commissioner Robyn Hobbs congratulated Kempsey Shire Council for embracing the Small Business Friendly Councils initiative and for their commitment to supporting the growth of their local area.

"Small business is the backbone of our economy and local government plays a key role in supporting businesses to start and grow," Ms Hobbs said.

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