Regional Small Business Support Program

The Regional Small Business Support Program pilot provides financial counselling and related services for small regional businesses employing 19 or less people facing hardship due to drought, COVID-19 the 2019-20 bushfires or the March 2022 flood event in Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

This free and independent service supports small, regional businesses in Modified Monash Model 2 to 7 regions to remain resilient while facing a downturn and maintain the capacity to rebound when normal trading conditions resume.

Regional small business financial counsellors are located in twelve Rural Financial Counselling Service regions across Australia and, with a focus on the case management approach, assist clients to:

• understand their financial position

• understand the benefits and drawbacks of different options to manage financial issues

• develop budgets and cash flows

• negotiate with creditors

• access dispute resolution services

• understand their rights and access broader professional advice and support

• access government and community grants, programs or schemes.

Regional Small Business Financial Counsellors do not give family, emotional or social counselling or financial advice. They refer clients to other professional services, including accountants, legal services and mental health services.