SmallBusiness.wa.gov.au
The Small Business Specialists
Phone: 131 BIZ
Website: www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au
7 December 2010
With dry season conditions now affecting 100 shires throughout Western Australia, the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) is encouraging non-farm businesses to access the State Government’s Dry Season Small Business Grant program for 2010.
SBDC Acting Managing Director, Ms Jacky Finlayson, says the grants program is part of the State Government’s $5 million dry seasons assistance package for farmers and rural communities.
Assistance of up to $1,500 is available to non-farm small businesses affected directly or indirectly by dry season conditions. These funds are to be used for professional services (accountancy, financial or legal advice) to assess the current financial position of the business and to develop strategies for the future operations of the business.
"We recognise that when the agriculture industry is experiencing hardship, so too do local businesses," Ms Finlayson said.
"The grants are easy to access and quick to process and are provided via a voucher system through the SBDC and Small Business Centres."
"The first step in accessing the grants is to arrange a 'needs assessment' to establish which services will best suit individual circumstances. This assessment can be undertaken by an SBDC Business Advisor, or your local Small Business Centre Manager, and a voucher for an amount of up to $1,500 can be provided."
Once a voucher has been issued, an appointment can be made with the applicant’s preferred service provider. Wherever possible, applicants are encouraged to engage the services of local providers to allow a flow-on benefit to local businesses.
Payment for services rendered will be made by the SBDC, directly to the service provider.
"The State Government has allocated $500,000 to help small businesses in declared areas and we are keen to ensure these funds are used in the most effective way possible," Ms Finlayson said.
In addition, the SBDC can provide free advice on cashflow, debt management, and business planning as well as referrals to other relevant services and information.
For further information, contact Mike O’Donnell, SBDC Dry Season Business Coordinator on 1800 199 125 (country toll free hotline) or 131 BIZ (131249). Email: info@smallbusiness.wa.gov.au or fax (08) 9221 1132.
Media contact: Di Graham on (08) 9220 0218 or 0432 750 565
Find out who can apply and how to apply, or download a 4-page Dry Season Assistance Scheme 2010 PDF (116 KB)
