Upper Lachlan business group gathers strength in numbers

The group may form an umbrella group to encompass the entire Upper Lachlan with satellite groups in the towns and villages.

Rural and regional small businesses have unique advantages and challenges: competition from larger regional centres and an online market; employment opportunities; and geography.

There is also around 47 per cent of ratepayers in the Upper Lachlan living outside of the Shire.

"With steady marketing and objective this region can grown," Andrew Haskins, small business advisor at the Southern Region Business Enterprise Centre said.

"This rock can gather moss and not just lip service moss," he said.

Mr Haskins said anything in business is collaboration and its safety in numbers.

"It's about everyone having an equal voice and being part of the decision process.

"You want everyone in the region to be invested in moving forward. With the size and number of businesses in the area you have strength in representation. "

The group will be a voice to advocate all levels of government.

"It needs to be independent from the council... I think that's critical. The council have their own agenda that's upgrading and maintaining infrastructure."

The economic development task force and members held their third meeting on Monday voting in a Susan Reynolds as chair.

Ms Reynolds will temporarily take the position to establish the group.

Business owners are planning to exhibit at a small business expo in October.