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.
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
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