It will get a whole lot easier to set up a café, restaurant and small bar. Northern Beaches Council has partnered with the State Government and their innovative Easy to do Business Program, which will help slash red tape for those wishing to set up or grow a business.

From today, Service NSW will be signing up Easy to do Business customers wanting to start up or further develop a café, restaurant or small bar on the Northern Beaches.

Northern Beaches Council’s Administrator Dick Persson AM said Council is delighted to partner with Service NSW so local businesses can benefit from a one-stop-shop that offers advice and connects them with relevant government agencies.

“I am very excited that Northern Beaches Council is the next off the mark to participate in the Easy to do Business program.

“It is a perfect example of how a larger amalgamated council is in a better position to partner with the State Government and provide benefits to businesses across the Northern Beaches,” Mr Persson said.

Before Easy to do Business, it could take up to 18 months to start a café, restaurant or small bar, dealing with 13 agencies including Council to complete 48 forms. Under this program the aim is for local businesses to open their doors in 90 days or less. By signing up, more time can be spent on planning their business and less time filling out forms.

“We understand starting or growing a business can be daunting, which is why we wanted to work with Service NSW to demystify the process, resulting in more business owners embracing the opportunity and stimulating job growth in our local area,” he said.

Northern Beaches Council is one of four councils in NSW that has been selected by the State Government to participate in the trial.

Following the trial, Service NSW will roll out the program to more councils and industry sectors such as clothing retail, housing construction, and print and road freight. For more information or to sign-up to the Easy to do Business program, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/business.