Police have released a computer-generated image of a man believed to be involved in the armed robbery of a small business near Cessnock earlier this month.

About 4.30pm on Saturday 9 July, two female employees, aged 20 and 30, were working inside a food store on Wollombi Road at Bellbird.

A man armed with a knife entered the store through the front door and approached the younger employee.

The man grabbed the woman by her shirt and demanded cash from the till.

He stole a small amount of cash and ran from the scene, leaving the woman uninjured.

Police from Central Hunter Local Area Command established a crime scene and are today releasing a COMFIT of the man involved.

The man is believed to be aged between 25 and 30 years, slim build, 183cm tall and was wearing a black zipped-up jacket with a hood, dark pants, black framed sunglasses and a black peaked cap.

Anyone who knows the identity of the man is urged to contact detectives at Central Hunter Local Area Command on 4934 0280 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.