Government agencies need to first consider buying goods and services from a small, medium or regional business for all direct procurements up to $250,000 as part of a NSW Nationals in the state government plan to boost local businesses.
The NSW Nationals in the state government’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and Regional Procurement Policy will provide a boost to regional economies 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.
NSW Nationals Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the policy was a positive step forward for local small businesses.
“It’s great that government departments will give first consideration to the excellent local tradies, businesses and shops in local regional communities like the Coffs Coast when it comes to procuring goods and services,” Mr Singh said.
“There’s never been a better time for government departments to look locally when it comes to spending procurement dollars.
“This will assist 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 Business Connect program.”
For more information on the SME and Regional Procurement Policy, go to https://buy.nsw.gov.au/policy-library/policies/sme-and-regional-procurement-policy
To access Business Connect specialist procurement support visit www.business.nsw.gov.au/businessconnect.
