State Government helps small business with fire recovery

Published Thursday, 06 December, 2018 at 11:51 AM

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman

The Queensland Government is implementing a range of relief measures to help Central Queensland small businesses impacted by the region’s bushfires.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman welcomed the activation of 'Category B disaster assistance' for small business along with extra counselling and mentoring services to help recovery.

“The disaster assistance includes concessional loans of up to $250,000 and essential working capital loans of up to $100,000 for small businesses in the three regional council areas of Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton,” Ms Fentiman said.

We will be working closely with Councils and local Chambers of Commerce as we roll out this assistance.

Small business owners impacted by the bushfires in Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton can call the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority on 1800 623 946 for assistance and information on the concessional loans that are available.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and we know that following a disaster ensuring local small businesses recover as soon as possible is vital for the community,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Going local for services, trades and products is the best way to restore the economic vibrancy of the community so we’ll be supporting small businesses with the Go Local message and through the promotion of Givit donation vouchers that see goods purchased locally. 

“While we support local cash flow, it is vitally important we also look after the mental health of our small business community.

“That is why in addition to disaster assistance funds, the State Government is making Beyond Blue’s Heads Up resources available to help small businesses get back on their feet following the devastating bushfires,” the Minister said. 

“Staff from our Office of Small Business will be on the ground in the regions from Friday (7 December) this week to support assessments and link business owners with assistance.

Office of Small Business staff will be available in Mackay on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 December at the Community Hub, 44 Nelson St, Mackay and at the Gracemere Community Hall in Barry St on Sunday 9 and Monday 10 December and in Baffle Creek at Wartburg Sports Ground, 569 Coast Road, Baffle Creek on Tuesday 11 December.

www.headsup.org.au

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Media contact: Inga Williams - 0410 769 711