A dedicated $1.8-million program aimed at supporting the immediate needs of bushfire-affected businesses has been announced today by the federal and state government.
The SA Disaster Small Business Transformation and Growth Program will deliver a range of measures including the establishment of a new business hub on Kangaroo Island, access to export and investment advice, coaching and mentoring services.
The jointly funded program was announced today by Agriculture Federal Minister, drought and emergency management David Littleproud and SA Innovation and Skills Minister David Pisoni.
"This is an excellent outcome for those South Australian small businesses affected by this summer's bushfires and highlights our government's commitment to continue with recovery in light of the COVID-19 impacts," Mr Littleproud said.
"The mentoring, first response and support services this initiative will provide are critical to ensuring small businesses can continue to be the backbone of local regions," he said.
Mr Pisoni said the new program would support small business by providing direct access to technical and business advice that would help them maximise future opportunities and drive innovation.
"With more than 2,300 businesses across the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island employing up to 6,300 people, we need to ensure the right support measures are in place to accelerate recovery and build resilience into their business models," he said.
"It will deliver a range of initiatives including the establishment of a new business hub on Kangaroo Island, which will include a co-working space, event space, shared meeting rooms and digital infrastructure.
"Now more than ever, it is vital our recovery and rebuilding activities improve the resilience of our communities, infrastructure and economies to protect our future and make sure we can get through the current situation and withstand future events and shocks."
The South Australian Disaster Small Business Transformation and Growth Program will commence immediately and will roll out the following initiatives:
- Establishing a new small business hub on Kangaroo Island - to support and coordinate the provision of services, events, and small business support.
- Providing first response financial support and advice - to support impacted small businesses with applications for small business grants, primary producer grants and concessional loans.
- Mentoring and support services - providing access to case managers and mentors who can assist small businesses and primary producers with immediate decision-making and financial and social support.
- Launching a special SA export accelerator round - establishing a special round of the SA Export Accelerator in May 2020 for businesses who export and have been affected directly or indirectly by the recent fires in the Adelaide Hills, Kangaroo Island and Yorke Peninsula.
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