Business Expansion Planning + Grant
Heifer Station, NSW
A winery in the Orange region west of Sydney, Heifer Station is looking to continue its recent growth to capitalise on opportunities arising from increased visitation to the region, and increasing consumer interest and participation in food and wine tourism experiences.
Heifer Station aims to expand its cellar door to triple its current capacity; develop infrastructure to be able to host large outdoor music events, and build two luxury cottages – a significant investment.
Project Purpose
The objectives of the planned expansion are:
Increase capacity by 200% to enable the business to service growing visitor numbers to the region
Increase wine sales
Enhance the region’s profile as a leading food and wine destination.
Increase overnight stays and expenditure in the region
Attract new visitor markets to the area including events, corporate groups, and domestic High Value Travellers, international traveller groups and special interest markets
Increase local employment
Project Overview
Heifer Station contracted Tilma Group to assist with securing grant funding for components of the expansion. Tilma Group worked closely with Heifer Station to develop the business case and project plan for these developments to assist with grant applications.
The project plan covers:
Project scope: description/objectives/elements/location
Project budget: costs/time frame/milestones
Project management: project proponent/project management team/stakeholders/ implementation methodology/regulatory approvals/communications strategy
Risk management
Procurement
Evaluation/compliance/audit
The business case covers:
Project concept
Project proponent to establish credibility to deliver project and sustain it as a successful business.
Project location
Project rationale
Project elements
Economic benefits
Strategic and marketing benefits
Social benefits
Value for money
Project support
Financial projections
Project delivery
The largest challenge with this project has been changes with the funding program mid-way through, impacting on the process and the ability to submit in a timely manner. Working with many varied stakeholders to secure necessary funding means that timelines can be impacted and external influences are heightened.
Consistent and regular communication with stakeholders was critical with this project.
Project Outcomes
Heifer Station expects to be able to deliver the following outcomes:
86% increase in visitor numbers
Infrastructure available to attract large events to the region
Over $650,000 injected into the local economy per year from wages, wine making, equipment and supplies
Additional $4m injected into the region from direct expenditure by the business, event organisers and visitors
Creation of 8 new FTE jobs
Additional 150 casual jobs from major events
“Tilma Group have a multi-disciplinary team, all of whom are experts in their field. Their team were able to provide us with very professional funding applications and award submissions, one of which has resulted in us recently being awarded Gold at both the 2019 Regional and NSW Tourism Awards for Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries. We could not put a price on the significant growth this acknowledgment has created for our business.”
Referee
Michelle Stivens
Owner/Director, Heifer Station
1034 The Escort Way
Borenore NSW 2800
0407 621 150
michelle@heiferstation.com
www.heiferstation.com