The challenges associated with COVID-19, and the impact this has had on small businesses, has hit directly at the heart of what the Local Buying Program is all about.

The LBP in SA has been instrumental in supporting local small businesses, as well as partner organisations, throughout the COVID-19 lockdowns – and offering solutions and support to our suppliers, stakeholders and buyers – across the business sector.

C-Res has continued to distribute key information to our suppliers and stakeholders via our communications team and our SA Business Development Advisor about small businesses grants, exemptions and support schemes that have been made available.

Our ongoing commitment to distributing information on training and development opportunities in the region has continued and has been enhanced with the growth of online webinars and workshops becoming available during this time of social distancing and lockdowns.

Although face to face support was not possible during this time, our SA LBP team has continued to deliver solutions and LBP training remotely to Olympic Dam. We have been proud to see that workflow through the program during COVID-19 has not subsided but has remained steady, indicating BHP’s strong commitment and dedication to continue supporting small businesses and local economies during lockdowns.

In supporting small businesses, C-Res and the LBP business model have proven true to their FY21 motto: We’re with You!