With the closure of the Cumberland Business Chamber, the Merrylands Chamber of Commerce has been re-branded as the Greater Cumberland Chamber of Commerce – the largest in Sydney as it now takes in Cumberland, Strathfield and Fairfield LGAs – and is waiving membership fees as a way to support small business owners.
Chamber president Immanuel Selvaraj says many small business owners are falling prey to the first vendor who approaches them with software.
“It is absolutely critical that owners take a long term view and look at their business in its entirety when making decisions on digital adoption,” he said.
Along with the chamber re-branding, having a new ‘multicultural’ board has given it a huge advantage in Western Sydney as most businesses are migrant owned.
“Board members can now act as conduits for their cultural groups and facilitate relationship building and knowledge transfer between them,” he said.
Fibha Frameen, Rotary’s ‘Young Inspirational Woman of the Year’ in 2021, will be heading a sub committee set up to mentor entrepreneurs.
“With the advent of the digital economy, entry barriers have been greatly reduced and if young people can be taught the basics of business they are in a better position to do well given their inherent familiarity with navigating the digital world,” Immanuel said.
To kick off support and education this year, the chamber is hosting a free workshop on Cyber Security in February.
For details and booking, call Immanuel on 0428 204 739.
