A NEW centre to help businesses "get back on their feet" amidst the coronavirus pandemic will formally launch in Newcastle on Thursday.
The Small Business Support Centre will operate for at least six months at 265 King Street at the former site of The Business Centre Newcastle, which owns the building.
Its chief executive, Steve Wait, said that the centre was already charging peppercorn rent to tenants including a property consultant, criminal lawyer, psychologist, a training organisation and publisher.
Businesses visiting or operating at the site have access to pro-bono support services from government and non-government agencies, legal practitioners, mental health and well-being providers, banks and financial service providers.
Mr Wait said the Business Centre had been able to create the new operation after applying to the City of Newcastle for a slice of the $500,000 it has allocated for industries hit by COVID-19.
The two organisations worked with local Business Improvement Associations and companies including The Garis Group and Enigma to get the new centre off the ground.
"Our [old premise] is sitting un-utilised because we are in a process of transition and we just couldn't countenance that at a time when small business is suffering," Mr Wait said.
"We thought we should make it available again and offer heavily subsidised rent and work with other organisations who were willing to help pro-bono.
"This collaboration is about connecting established building owners with business experts and low-cost temporary office space, with the goal to protect and stabilise their business during the COVID-19 pandemic."
Mr Wait said the condition of the building fell short of standards to offer it as a serviced office setting and the Centre was looking into finding a head lease holder to develop the site to continue to benefit small businesses.
"It's a key asset with a wonderful location and we want to retain it for the benefit of the small business community," he said.
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