Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Further Flood Funding

Local not-for-profit small business support groups are being urged to take advantage of additional flood recovery funding from the Federal government.

Bernie Ripoll, Federal Member for Oxley said groups who provide services to local small businesses should apply for grants of up to $100,000 under the Australian Government’s Small Business Advisory Services (SBAS) program.

“I know they’ve been working extraordinary hours to help our small businesses recover from the floods and this funding boost is a practical way of giving them that extra support they deserve – and need – to provide additional services to help disaster affected businesses get back on their feet.” he said.

Mr Ripoll said that groups providing services such as business mentoring, financial accounting and marketing plans are eligible to apply.

“Any small business support organization; groups that do work for small business are being given funding so they can go and assist small business.”

“The government departments and people who are providing the grants, they’re out there actively speaking with small businesses to make sure they know that there are funds available.”

The aim of the SBAS program is to maximise small business growth and success by better access to information and advice and improve the business skills of small businesses.

Proposals funded by the program include business planning advice, advice on loans and banking products, and mentoring for businesses.

Graham Grundy, President of the Mens Section of the Jindalee Bowls Club said that“Selected grantees can expand and strengthen their capacity to provide additional low cost business advisory services.” Mr Grundy also said that while the club did not use small business services, they had accessed several other grants offered by the government.

Mr Ripoll said the response to SBAS grants has so far been “overwhelming” and that he was “pretty happy with the results.”

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