Business recovery experts visit Whitsunday region this week

Cyclone-affected small businesses in the Whitsunday region will receive further assistance from the Palaszczuk Government this week with business experts meeting owners to help get them back on track.

Minister for Small Business Leeanne Enoch said today (Monday) the business experts were part of the successful Mentoring for Growth program, and skilled in assisting disaster-affected businesses.

Ms Enoch said the mentors will meet with business owners in Bowen tomorrow (Tuesday), Airlie Beach on Wednesday, and Proserpine on Thursday.

“It’s now five months since Tropical Cyclone Debbie made landfall, and while businesses are recovering - this government knows we must continue building on the work we’ve already done in this region,” Ms Enoch said.

“I encourage any business owner impacted by Tropical Cyclone Debbie to meet with a mentor and get professional guidance at this critical phase of recovery to help build sustainability and resilience.”

Ms Enoch said mentors will be able to provide guidance regarding insurance quotes, building leases, or offer marketing tips.

“Business owners will be able to discuss managing staff, keeping customers or your cash flow,” she said. “The mentors can even act as a sounding board to test your ideas.

“A free counselling service is also available to provide support and assistance to small business owners and their immediate families, recovering from the impact and personal trauma caused by the cyclone.”

Ms Enoch said Office of Small Business staff will also be on hand to help eligible owners apply for Small Business Recovery Grants up to $10,000.

The second round of grants – which enable small businesses to engage professional consultants to assist with business resilience – open today (Monday).

“This dedicated grants program – in addition to Category C funding – will continue helping small businesses develop resilience to natural disasters, support their business confidence and continue to employ Queenslanders,” Ms Enoch.

“The opening round – which closed at the end of June - resulted in 92 small businesses sharing more than $845,000 in funding.

“Recipients are engaging dedicated business coaches and financial counsellors to help them refocus their business after the disaster, look at their cash flow and chart a new course of employment and growth.

“Others are taking on training courses to expand their skills set so they can diversify their business and make it more sustainable.

“This second round of grants will remain open until September 18.”

Category C small business grants under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) are available to eligible businesses until 13 October 2017. These grants offer up to $25,000 in funding.

Ms Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government was continuing to roll-out its $2 million ‘Go Local’ campaign, encouraging Queenslanders to support small businesses around the state – not just those affected by Cyclone Debbie.

“Go Local is about encouraging people to buy from their local businesses and support fellow Queenslanders,” she said. “When you go local, you grow local.”

To book a Mentoring for Recovery session, or check eligibility and apply for a Small Business Recovery Grant from 28 August, visit www.business.qld.gov.au/recovery.

ENDS

MEDIA 0412 393 909