Please note: this is an old article
It was published in June 2020, so the information may be out-of-date.
Drought has been tough on small businesses that rely on rural communities to survive.
Through the Australian Government’s $7 million Drought Communities Small Business Support Program plus the $4.785 million COVID-19 support measure (announced June 2020), these businesses can access free financial counselling and specialist third-party advice.
We’re running this pilot program until June 2021, which will help eligible small businesses to:
- understand their financial position
- identify options
- implement plans to improve their viability.
Eligibility
This service is for small businesses that:
- have 19 employees or less
- are experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship as a result of drought (that is, located in a drought affected area) and/or the COVID19 pandemic.
- are located in North East Victoria regional area
- are not located within 20 kilometres of a town with a population greater than 50,000
- are ineligible to access services under the existing RFCS program.
How they can help
Small business financial counsellors can help you to:
- understand your financial position and the viability of your business
- identify options to manage the financial issues of your business
- develop budgets and cash flows
- create and implement an action plan to work towards your business goals
- negotiate with your lenders and access dispute resolution services
- identify other government and community grants, programs or schemes
- access broader professional advice and support.
Small business financial counsellors do not give family, emotional or social counselling or financial advice. They can refer you to other professional services, including:
- accountants
- legal services
- mental health services.
CALL 1300 032 332 or email enquiries@agbizassist.org.au to register the business for support or call Colin Rawnsley on 0419 418 928, email colin.rawnsley@agbizassist.org.au for further information.
