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Government small business support program reports high success
Wednesday September 23, 2009
A new government support line for small businesses has been well-received since its launch in early September 2009, receiving over 200 calls on its first day alone.
The small business support line was officially launched by Small Business Minister Dr Craig Emerson and is part of the Rudd Government's wider plan for economic strength, with a $10 million budget commitment plan to provide advisory services to small business during the global recession.
"Establishing and maintaining a small business can be a daunting prospect at the best of times, but even more so during an economic downturn," Dr Emerson said in a statement for the Ministers for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
"In many cases people just don't know where to turn.
"This support line will help small business operators navigate the myriad of government departments and specialised services needed to establish or improve a business.
"The lines will be staffed by advisers with business experience and strong customers service skills," he said with support already being high for the program, which is only in its infant stage.
"They have also been trained by 'beyondblue' to help callers who may be suffering from depression or personal issues associated with running a small business."
The Small Business Support Line will allowed business owners to contact and seek the advice of a team of eight advisers with a variety of different skills sets and experience in small business.
"Small business owners need many skills. They need a good understanding of accounts, marketing, logistics and human resources.
"Sometimes it's difficult to know where to turn. That's why this service is an invaluable port of call." Dr Emerson stated.
Additionally, the support line will also act as an outlet for small business owners to lodge complaints for issues with access to and cost of bank finance with the support line being able to forward such complaints onto the Australian Bankers Association.
In related news, government grants are also available for internet training providers in amounts ranging from $50,000 to $500,000. These grants are designed to assist small businesses to become more internet friendly and more competitive on the internet market.
The government grant is not restricted in who can apply with a release from the Ministers department stating that "industry associations, professional and business organisations, educational institutions and business enterprise centres are encouraged to apply for the grants, which are part of the Federal Government's $10 million Small Business Online program."
Applicants will be judged on their ability to effectively implement a modern technological strategy in getting small business owners up to speed.
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