LOCAL councils and government agencies are urged to consider buying goods and services from a small, medium or regional business for all direct procurements up to $250,000 as part of a plan to boost local businesses.
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The NSW Government's Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and Regional Procurement Policy will provide a boost to regional economies such as Port Macquarie in the wake of droughts, bushfires and now COVID-19.
The policy also provides a small business exemption to give local businesses an opportunity to cut through red tape and government processes.
It allows government departments to buy directly from small businesses for any purchases up to $50,000 even if there is a mandated whole-of-government contract in place.
Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said the policy is a positive step forward for local small businesses, which have faced the challenges of drought, bushfires and COVID-19.
"It's great that government departments will give first consideration to the excellent local tradies, businesses and shops in local regional communities when it comes to procuring goods and services," Mrs Williams said.
"There's never been a better time for government departments to look locally when it comes to spending procurement dollars.
"This will assist local businesses as they recover from all the economic challenges of 2020."
"Businesses can also access free independent business advice to build their capability to supply goods and services to government, through the NSW Government's Business Connect program," Mrs Williams said.
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