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2014 Economic Development Sponsorship Program

Five unique and diverse projects have been chosen by the City of Newcastle as the 2014 recipients of its $80,000 Economic Development Sponsorship Program.
The projects were chosen based on criteria that included their potential to provide economic benefit, how they will meet an identified need and/or develop strength in the local economy, how the project will help develop or promote the relevant economic sector, and how well the project supports Council’s values and objectives.
Peter Chrystal, Director Planning and Regulatory, said Council was pleased with the quality of applications for this year’s sponsorship, which is for projects to be completed by the end of 2015.
The five successful economic development projects are:
 
Renew Newcastle Creative Business Incubator (Renew Newcastle)
This project is a mentoring and training program, turning fledgling business ideas into sustainable, creative business enterprises.
The program will deliver: training workshops for Renew Newcastle participants and the broader business community, mentoring and advocacy, and opportunities for Newcastle creative industries to showcase their businesses to the community.
 
The Real Film Festival (Screen Hunter)
The project is a three-day community, arts and industry event showcasing documentaries, independent short and feature films based on true stories. The program comprises of film screenings, industry workshops and talks, film Q&A’s, panel discussions, networking events and film competitions for filmmakers of all ages and experience. The Real Film Festival vision is to become an event of national and international significance that will position the region as a strong film and arts community.
 
Newcastle - Open for Business (Hunter Business Centre)
This workshop series is tailored to encourage and support new and existing small businesses to help further develop Newcastle’s night time economy. Spaced throughout the year, workshops will be set at times to maximise small business participation. Workshop topics might include: Innovate your value proposition, Food truck and popup shop 101, Trading securely after hours, Get approval for your event, Retail popup shop 101, and Merchandising at night.
 
Newcastle Innovation and Green Tech Hub (Australian Energy Consultants)
The objective of this project is to establish Newcastle as a centre for innovative and clean technology start-up businesses. The hub will run as a not-for-profit organisation and offer low cost desk and workshop space for software and hardware based start-ups and build linkages with support networks for access to mentoring, support services, technical experts, researchers, and investors.
 
TiNA: Destination Newcastle (Octapod)
This project will encourage increased overnight visitation to Newcastle during the This is Not Art (TiNA) festival period, 1 - 4 October 2015, through the development of a national marketing strategy.
It will also promote Newcastle as a tourist destination and encourage festival attendees to spend money while they are in Newcastle.

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