If you have a business which was damaged in the recent storms don’t despair: there’s plenty of help out there.
South West Sydney Business Enterprise Centre (SWSBEC) in connection with the NSW Government’s Small Biz Connect Program has put together a number of free seminars to help businesses affected by the recent storms get back on their feet.
The Storm Event Recovery Seminar Series is supported by Camden Council, Wollondilly Shire Council, Campbelltown City Council and Liverpool City Council.
Seminars on various topics will be run on consecutive Mondays starting from July 11.
Seminars will also be held on July 18 and 25 and then on August 1, 8 and 15.
To register visit the BEC website here. For more information contact the SWSBEC on 4647 6232.
The NSW Government through the Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) is also providing practical support to businesses affected by the recent storms.
Help includes business advice through the Small Biz Connect Program, which provides quality, personalised business advisory services.
Mobile Small Biz Connect advisors are available to provide business advice for local businesses affected by the storms.
These experienced advisors can provide advice about managing cash flow, planning the next steps, accessing support schemes and connecting to additional support.
They can also connect affected businesses with appropriate financial packages, disaster recovery programs and Commonwealth Government business support services.
The local Small Biz Connect provider is South West Sydney Business Enterprise Centre and the local advisor for the Camden area is Robert Howe.
Robert is supported by advisors Bill Parker and Jennifer Baldwin.
The Small Biz Connect advisor can assist with accessing financial support packages.
Loans of up to $130,000 are available at a concessional rate to small businesses affected by disasters and which meet certain eligibility criteria.
This finance is available to those unable to obtain assistance through normal channels.
The NSW Rural Assistance Authority administers this scheme. Visit their website here for details. Inquiries should be directed to the authority on 1800 678 593.
Camden Council also offering support
Contact Debbie Roberts, Economic Development Officer, via phone on 4654 7614 or email debbie.roberts@camden.nsw.gov.au.
Short term office space is available at the South West Business Enterprise Centre in Smeaton Grange if businesses need a space to work during their recovery efforts. Contact the BEC on 4647 6232 if this support is required.
To assist with the collection of information from businesses affected by the storms, the OSBC has designed a survey that will help assess the impact and loss to small businesses.
To access the survey visit this website link here.
♦ There are other support services available to businesses affected by the storms including:
• Insurance Council of Australia is helping policy holders determine which insurer they are with, or have general inquiries about the claims process . Call 1800 812 028;
• SafeWork NSW will replace NSW licences at no cost to those affected by the floods. Call 13 10 50;
• Services NSW will replace certificates and drivers licences at no cost to those affected by the storm. Call 13 77 88;
Motorists whose cars have been written off as a result of a natural disaster may be eligible for a stamp duty refund on their replacement vehicle. Call 1300 139 814;
• Legal Aid NSW helps people with their problems. It can provide free legal advice and minor assistance to people affected by disasters on a range of issues including insurance, tenancy and credit and debt problems. Call 1300 888 529;
• NSW Fair Trading provide assistance to businesses regarding fair and ethical practice. Call 13 32 20;
• Department of Primary Industries provide assistance with livestock and other animals during the flood. Call 1800 814 647;
• NSW Rural Assistance Authority provides disaster relief low interest loans of up to $130,000 to eligible primary producers and small businesses, and transport subsidies of up to 50 percent of the cost to transport livestock or fodder, to eligible primary producers. Call 1800 678 593.
