Business Support
Conducting business in a rural community can have some challenges. Our community can only grow if local businesses are strong and strategies for supporting this outcome will be one component of Council's District growth planning. During 2022 and 2023 Council will commence developing plans to strengthen the economic direction of our community and this will include compiling a register of existing information and support programs that benefit and build opportunities for small business.
In the mean time, the list below is some of the support programs that have been identified that exist to support South Australian businesses, especially through hard times.
Australian Small Business Advisory Service
Offers 3 hours of one-on-one mentoring at a low cost of $44 (total) to work through specific digital and business management issues. To access this service, you need to have an active ABN; have under 20 employees; be a for-profit South Australian business; and not have received mentoring under this program before. Mentoring is delivered via Adelaide Business Hub across the state. Visit: https://adelaidebusinesshub.com.au/asbas/asbas-registration
Family and Business (FaB) mentors
Provides a free, confidential mentoring service that can help you during difficult situations as a primary producer or an agricultural business owner. FaB mentors are located in the Murraylands and Riverland. Visit: https://pir.sa.gov.au/funding_and_support/fabm
Emergency management planning resources
Having an emergency management plan helps you prepare your business for disruptions and minimise their impact. Download a free emergency management planning template, which includes sections on continuing your business and recovering your business. Visit: https://business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/develop-an-emergency-management-plan
Small Business Debt Helpline
Helps small business owners and sole traders in financial difficulty, providing a free, independent and confidential service to help get your business back on track. Visit: https://sbdh.org.au/ or call 1800 413 828.
NewAccess for Small Business Owners
Provides a guided self-help mental health coaching program to manage stress and overwhelm using straightforward problem-solving approaches. It’s free, confidential and available nationally by phone or video call, with no GP referral required. Visit: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess-mental-health-coaching/newaccess-small-business-owners-submit-an-enquiry.