There are a range of Council, government and private organisations aimed at facilitating and supporting local business growth and expansion in Newcastle.

Employer / Employee Bodies

The peak employer and employee bodies are the Hunter Business Chamber (HBC) and Newcastle Trades Hall Council (THC). The NHBC is Australia’s largest regional business organisation, with a membership base of 1200. Hunter Business Chamber 

Newcastle Trades Hall Council
Phone: 02 4929 1162

Investment / Employment Growth

The peak State and Federal agencies are the Hunter Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) and Hunter Area Consultative Committee (HACC). The HEDC advises the NSW State Government on economic strategy and markets the Hunter Region. The HACC provides Federal Government funding for projects with employment outcomes. The NSW Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD) provides investment facilitation and information, industry incentives and business support programs.

• Hunter Economic Development Corporation 
• Hunter Area Consultative Committee 
• Dept of State and Regional Development 

Business Development

The Hunter Business Centre (HBC) provides information, training and support for businesses in start up and early growth phases. HBC's website has a calendar listing grant funding and training opportunities for small business.

• Hunter Business Centre 
• HBC Grant and Training Calendar 

The Industry Development Centre (IDC) promotes the cluster development program and associated business networks and facilitates the commercialisation of innovations. The NSW Industry Capability Network facilitates contacts with local suppliers. The Newcastle Hunter Business Directory provides a single point of presence on the world wide web for local businesses.

• Industry Development Centre 

Cluster Networks

An active network of business clusters operates in Newcastle and the Hunter region. The most active networks are HunterNet (engineering and manufacturing) and HunterTech (IT&T). The Hunter Business Chamber convenes a Defence Industry Committee (DIC), which is active in positioning and supporting bids from the region’s engineering, aerospace and maritime industries for defence contracts. Hunter EdNet Incorporated is an association comprised of a group of leading providers of education, training, research and consultancy services.

• HunterNet 
• HunterTech 
• Hunter EdNet 

Trade and Exp orts

The Hunter Export Centre (HEC) assists companies to export and organises business missions. Austrade is the Federal Government’s principal agency assisting Australian businesses to penetrate overseas markets.

• Hunter Export Centre 
• Austrade 

Research and Information

The Hunter Valley Research Foundation (HVRF) provides regional research on economic, social and environmental issues. TUNRA is the University of Newcastle Research Associates, which provides broad-based research for businesses. The Newcastle and Hunter Regional Business Directory provides an information portal for business and investment.

• Hunter Valley Research Foundation 
• TUNRA