That's why the Local Buying Foundation has matched $35,000 in Singleton Business Chamber funding to ensure the ongoing assistance of the business development officer for another year.

The financial backing, which is effective as of June, enables the role to build on the momentum of the chamber's important Building Connected Business Communities (BCBC) program.

Local Buying Foundation chairperson Deirdra Tindale said the funding meant an important resource in the Singleton business community could be maintained and small-to-medium operators would continue to have access to what had become a vital source of information, guidance and development opportunities.

She added the Local Buying Foundation was an initiative of BHP's Local Buying Program, which was delivered in partnership with C-Res.

At the heart of the foundation's values was a commitment to strengthening the capacity and capabilities of small-to-medium businesses in the regions it operated - namely, the Mt Arthur Coal footprint through the shires of Muswellbrook, Upper Hunter and Singleton.

"The foundation supports funding for the implementation of strategic initiatives, which build the capacity and capability of businesses," Ms Tindale said.

"The investment supported by the Local Buying Foundation Advisory Committee demonstrates the commitment to building sustainable business communities for the future while acknowledging the great work already being done by the business development officer."

The BCBC program will see the business development officer support local enterprises in facilitating connections and opportunities to grow responsive, viable, business-ready and sustainable ventures across the region.

The position will continue to facilitate the identification of gaps and opportunities for training, technology and innovation initiatives; coordination of training and development for small and medium enterprises; and development of networks and alliances with local government, private enterprise and other local chambers of commerce and industry groups.

Ms Tindale said the Local Buying Foundation's capacity to resource projects and sponsor events was only possible due to the success of the Local Buying Program, which was established in NSW in 2016.

It was initiated by BHP as a sustainable local procurement initiative to help small-to-medium businesses more easily and directly connect with the Mt Arthur Coal operation.

The Local Buying Program is an innovative approach to increasing the local supply chain effectiveness and supporting regional economic development.

It also reflects BHP's genuine desire to demonstrate a long-term commitment to the social and economic well-being of the local communities in which it operates and the broader shires.

Singleton Business Chamber president Sue Gilroy welcomed the matched funding from the Local Buying Foundation.

"We are very excited to be working in partnership with the Local Buy Foundation to deliver a business development program for small and medium enterprises," she said.