The program, which was an initiative of the Newcrest Community Support Fund, was launched in June to assist small local businesses with up to 15 employees within the Orange, Blayney and Cabonne Local Government Areas.

Run by Central NSW Business HQ and supported by the Orange Business Chamber, the program involved a grant assistance package to support businesses restarting or recovering following government restrictions.

In addition, qualified business coaches supported the development of recovery and business continuity plans to equip businesses to thrive 'beyond the curve' of COVID-19.

The program which has recently concluded supported a total of 124 businesses with grants ranging from $500-$8000.

Central NSW Business HQ Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Sunderland said the program had provided vital assistance to small business.

"Local businesses are such an important part of the community and the Business Beyond the Curve program has provided much needed support during a challenging time," he said.

"The grants have allowed businesses to modify their infrastructure to be COVID-safe, review their strategy, complete training, and identify innovative business opportunities to help them recover and thrive into the future."

The grants have assisted gyms, cafes, restaurants, vineyards, beauty salons, travel agents, retail, hotels, motels, and allied health with funding used towards the development of marketing plans, online presence, improvements to facilities, restructuring of business and paying essential bills.

Cadia Valley Operations General Manager, Aaron Brannigan, is pleased to see the impact the program has had supporting the economic recovery in the local community.

"2020 has been an incredibly challenging year, with the impacts of COVID-19 felt all across our community. The Business Beyond the Curve program has provided businesses with a hand up and set them up to become more sustainable and resilient in the future," he said.

Applications were reviewed by the Newcrest Business Beyond the Curve Program Committee, comprised of members from Business HQ, Orange Business Chamber and Newcrest's Cadia Valley Operations.

The program also provided business advice and workshops to empower businesses to thrive well beyond the COVID-19 crisis.

This included a digital summit workshop in Blayney during October, four digital workshops held as part of small business month, and two digital workshops scheduled for early December for small business in Cabonne.

The program also supported the Backing Business Forum delivered by Regional Development Australia on November 20 featuring a host of keynote speakers.