Small business support groups will receive $3.3 million to help disaster-affected small businesses get back on their feet. Innovation Minister Kim Carr and Small Business Minister Nick Sherry announced the funding yesterday, saying the Federal Government wanted to support those in the community who were helping others.
“I’ve recently visited flood-hit areas in Queensland and other parts of Australia and I have spoken with staff from Business Enterprise Centres and local organisations assisting in the recovery,” Sherry said. “They’ve been doing a magnificent job, working extraordinary hours, helping small businesses pick up the pieces and going way beyond what they would normally be expected to deliver.”
Not-for-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to $100,000 to help businesses with mentoring, marketing plans, accessing finance, accounting and legal services.
“Small businesses are part of the fabric of each community affected by these terrible events and the sooner we can help business recover, the sooner communities will get back on their feet,” Carr said.
This funding will be distributed under the Small Business Advisory Services (SBAS) program developed by the Gillard government. The program will provide $42.5 million over four years to fund 37 Business Enterprise Centres across Australia.
For more information about the SBAS program visit www.ausindustry.gov.au.