Small businesses hit by monsoonal flooding in northern Queensland earlier this year will get free mentoring and advice with face-to-face access to business advisors, support networks and government agencies.
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The programme is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Government through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud mentoring would cover digital platforms, resilience building and financial assistance as part of the Back on Track business roadshow.
"Small business is a big part of our regional communities and we'll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them,' Minister Littleproud said.
"They're a big employer and provide important community services.
"The roadshow will visit 16 towns to hear about the challenges businesses facing.
"It will connect small business with the expert so they're ready to face future disasters.
"This includes loans and grants, disaster preparedness, climate adaption and mental health support."
Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman said newly appointed Small Business Recovery and Resilience Champion Ben Verning would play a key part in the Back on Track roadshow.
"We know businesses in north and north west Queensland are still doing it tough after the unprecedented flooding earlier this year," Ms Fentiman said.
"Our newly appointed Small Business Recovery and Resilience Champion, Ben Verning will be on the ground working with locals to hear their stories and develop strategies for support," Ms Fentiman said.
"Ben has spent most of his career working for small business particularly regional small businesses and has a wealth of local knowledge in the north and north west regions.
"He will help small business owners overcome challenges and work in consultation with the Queensland Small Business Recovery Advisory Council to develop specialised support services.
"This roadshow will be a unique collaboration of all levels of government to bring support to impacted small businesses in communities across Queensland," Ms Fentiman said.
The Back on Track roadshow starts today (21 October) with visits to the following centres:
- Monday 21 October 2019: Winton
- Saturday 26 October 2019: Ingham
- Sunday 3 November 2019: Townsville
- Wednesday 6 November - Friday 8 November 2019: Cloncurry
- Saturday 9 November 2019: Mount Isa
- Saturday 9 November 2019: Charters Towers
- Monday 11 - Tuesday 12 November 2019: Julia Creek
- Wednesday 13 - Friday 15 November 2019: Richmond
- Saturday 16 November 2019: Giru
- Monday 18 - Tuesday 19 November 2019: Hughenden
- Saturday 23 November 2019: Ayr
- Sunday 24 November 2019: Port Douglas
- Monday 25 - Tuesday 26 November 2019: Georgetown
- Wednesday 27 - Thursday 28 November 2019: Croydon
- Friday 29 November - Saturday 30 November 2019: Normanton
- Monday 2 December 2019: Karumba
- Wednesday 4 December - Thursday 5 December 2019: Burketown
Small business owners and operators can register now for one-on-one discussions at www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/growing-business/business-mentoring/mentoring-growth/register-business.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
