Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, with co-founders of Omelia Technology Joseph Couch and Kate Armstrong-Smith.
Wednesday, 23 March 2022
A SYDNEY-BASED technology company will expand into Armidale in a bid to scale up and take its game-changing collaborative story software design tools international, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $280,000 State Government grant for innovative company Omelia Technologies.
Mr Marshall said the Regional Job Creation Fund grant would help the business finesse and launch its design tool that allows writers and producers to collaborate more effectively during story development.
“The establishment of Omelia in Armidale marks an exciting turning point for the city’s economy,” Mr Marshall said.
“This funding will support Omelia’s relocation, helping to recruit and train staff, design marketing collateral, including websites and social media campaigns, establish legal and IP protection and perform product demonstrations for a successful launch.
“Focusing on the premier entertainment industry in the United States, this project will enable the company to produce and maintain their suite of story software services on an industrial scale, putting Armidale on the map as a pioneer of digital storytelling technology and an entertainment industry hub.
“Importantly this exciting project will create 14 sustainable jobs and shine a spotlight on the region’s ability to participate competitively in digital industries.”
This year the Regional Jobs Creation Fund has already provided $7 million dollars for projects in Armidale and Inverell, which will create more than 350 new local jobs.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the $130 million Regional Job Creation Fund aimed to create more than 6,500 new direct jobs in regional NSW by providing incentives to expand and keep operations in regional areas.
“Innovation is the backbone of our economy and helping companies like Omelia Technologies expand its operations stimulates local and regional economies, boosts livelihoods and increases local employment opportunities,” Mr Toole said.
“Setting businesses up for success helps the local community grow and new jobs mean more people earning a wage and spending their pay packets in local stores, cafés, and restaurants and on local goods and services.”
The Regional Job Creation Fund supports eligible businesses with grants to purchase new equipment, expand facilities, acquire technology, create new production lines or establish businesses in regional NSW.