RDA Hunter welcomes the Australian Government announcement of the Business Entrepreneurs Programme to assist the re-build of small-to-medium businesses in fire-affected regions across the Hunter.
The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources announced the programme in March to assist the recovery of businesses in fire-affected regions in NSW, Victoria and South Australia.
The Strengthening Business initiative is part of the Government’s Bushfire Affected Small Business Rebuild package. The package also includes a $10,000 grant for eligible businesses, distributed through state government business services, and 20-odd National Bushfire Recovery Agency officers, who help locals navigate support on the ground.
Fire-affected businesses can apply for Strengthening Business services at https://business.gov.au/EP or through their local bushfire recovery coordinators.
About the Entrepreneurs’ Programme
Under the Entrepreneurs’ Programme, Strengthening Business supports businesses in fire-affected communities to rebuild, transform and adapt following the bushfire crisis and resulting changes in their local marketplace. A facilitator works with businesses to provide mentorship and develop a roadmap, identifying the immediate, medium and long-term challenges and opportunities for that individual businesses, group of businesses or community. Facilitators can also provide advice on relevant funding assistance to help businesses recover.
Strengthening Business was announced on 11 March 2020 as part of the Small Business Rebuild Package – an initiative focused on supporting local government areas most impacted by the 2019 20 Black Summer bushfires. Further information on the Entrepreneurs’ Programme and the Strengthening Business service can be found on the business.gov.au website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Download the Strengthening Business Fact Sheet
View the media release
Register your business through the Entrepreneurs’ Programme web portal
Contact Information
Jacinta Outlaw
Business Facilitator – Strengthening Business. Entrepreneurs’ Programme
M: 0410 557 071