Bushfire-affected small businesses who have been struggling to access financial support will have another chance following calls by ACCI and its network of member chambers of commerce and industry associations for improved support.
“We welcome the Federal Government’s announcement today to provide a new $10K grant as well as slashing the red tape which was overwhelming small businesses in their time of need,” ACCI CEO James Pearson said.
“We are almost a quarter of the way through the year and many small businesses in bushfire affected areas are still doing it tough.
“Despite the urgent need for assistance to cope with damage and loss of trade, it has failed to get through to many of them. Eligibility requirements have been too restrictive and the application process overwhelming for many business owners.”
ACCI has been calling for Government to extend assistance to businesses in real need that are falling outside the scope of the initial assistance package.
“The new $10,000 grant simplified access to financial assistance and the provision of more face-to-face advice will hopefully prevent more businesses from shutting, affecting families and the community at large,” Mr Pearson said.
“While the road to recovery is going to be long and challenging for many small business owners, we hope the package announced today will give them a better chance of making it through this difficult time and look forward to some real, positive outcomes.”
