People interested in starting an agritourism business are encouraged to attend one of two workshops on Thursday, February 14.
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Run by business mentor and director of Business Connect, Derek Tink, they will be held at the Art Shack in Wallabadah.
There will be a morning session from 9am-11.30am, and an afternoon session between 12.30pm-3pm, with lunch for participants between the sessions.
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Liverpool Plains Shire Visitor Information Centre manager Nikki Robertson said the workshops would provide participants with plenty of information about agritourism.
“You will find out how to start a new business, how to write a business plan, grants that may be available to help to build your business, support available for your new business and how to attract customers to it,” Ms Robertson said.
Co-owner and manager of the Art Shack and its accommodation, Tania Hartigan, said agritourism is a great choice for farmers struggling with the drought.
“If anyone is looking at doing agritourism, and can attend the workshops, it’s well worth it,” Mrs Hartigan said.
“My husband Rodney has found during the drought that the accommodation on our farm has been brilliant as a support.”
The Art Shack hosts nationally and internationally recognised artists, who then teach their skills to locals interested in art.
Thanks to the business’ success, Mrs Hartigan is looking forward to introducing classes for the younger artists of regional NSW.
“I want to bring children’s classes in,” she said.
“I also want to bring in creative art classes in for teenagers, where the focus will be on how art can help anxiety, depression and mental help.”
But this is simply the start of the ideas process, as Mrs Hartigan says she has much more in the works.
“What we’re doing now is only the beginning, there’s so much more we want to do,” she said.
Each workshop participant will have access to diagnostic tools that will assist in business planning, which will help save time and provide assistance in making ideas a reality.
Ms Robertson said each diagnostic is valued at over $200, and every participant will have the opportunity to select the three which they believe will be the most relevant for their businesses direction.
“Liverpool Plains Shire Council recognises the potential economic benefits that agritourism can provide for our region and these workshops can provide more valuable information and assistance,” Ms Robertson said.
To RSVP for the agritourism workshops, email nikki.robertson@visitquirindi.com.au by Thursday, February 7.