Business support in the Surf Coast - Update #2 - 26 May 2023
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Helping businesses to Connect & Thrive
26 May 2023
Hi from the Surf Coast Business Support Team!
I hope you're well. At a time when small businesses are facing challenges with inflation, finding staff, affordable rentals and (still) recovering from Covid, we know it's tough.
A recent global report on the state of small business owner wellbeing by Xero found that a quarter of Australian small business owners said they could “at no time” access affordable counselling and support if needed. But it is out there.
The Small Business Bus visit to Surf Coast booked out quickly so we know this type of support is in demand. In this newsletter, we identify a couple of programs that can help you including:
- Rural Financial Counselling Service, Digital Solutions and NewAccess by BeyondBlue
- We are also inviting comment on a draft strategy to support our creative industries to flourish.
Stay safe and stay positive 🏄🏼♂️ 🤙🏼
#InspiredbySurfCoast #BuySurfCoast
The Surf Coast Business Support team
(Simon, Gretchen, Clifton and Shannon😊)
Creative Places Strategy Draft for Comment
The Surf Coast is regarded as one of the most creative and innovative hotspots in the nation. Our lifestyle and connection to the natural environment have inspired a strong creative economy built from innovation and curiosity.
From dancers and designers to photographers, painters, graphic artists, and podcasters - local creative people are at the heart of the draft Creative Places Strategy and we are inviting your feedback.
We’re expanding our definition of ‘arts’ to the entire creative economy. The strategy will help Council to prioritise resources and ensure that we best meet the needs of the Surf Coast arts communities.
Submissions on the draft Creative Places Strategy can be made on Your Say section of the Surf Coast Shire Website.
Please take the time to consider the draft Strategy and provide us with your feedback before 28 May.
Business Support
Rural Financial Counseling Services
Rural, regional or remote, the Rural Financial Counselling Service provides a range of supports for small business owners operating through challenging times. Small business coaches will work with you to:
• Gain a clear understanding of your financial position generate and explore options
• Develop budgets and implement plans
• Talk to your creditors
• Apply for grants and other support packages and,
• Provide referrals to other specialists, including financial, legal, marketing and their own wellbeing program.
Best of all, they travel to you and the program is free. You can contact them on their website or give them a call directly at 1300 735 578.
Round 2 of The Digital Solutions Program
The Melbourne Innovation Centre supports small businesses across Australia with advisory services including business mentoring, workshops, webinars, and online courses.
Round 2 is open for their Digital Solutions Program funded by the Australian Government. To express your interest, fill out your application here: https://courses.melbourneinnovation.com.au/ and you will be contacted with further information.
New Access by Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business Owners (NASBO) is a guided self-help mental health coaching program.
It’s free, confidential and convenient. Available nationally by phone or video call, no GP referral is required.
Over 6 sessions, your health coach will work with you to manage stress and overwhelm using straightforward problem-solving approaches.
All mental health coaches are specially trained and have a small business background so they understand your unique challenges.
Stay in touch with the Surf Coast Business Collective
The Surf Coast Business Collective Newsletter gives local business support information and is published by the Economic Development & Tourism Unit of the Surf Coast Shire Council.
We also deliver the Surf Coast Business Collective news on Facebook as well as the Inspired by Surf Coast buy-local campaign, Surf Coast Events and Explore Surf Coast campaigns. Click on the buttons below to have a look.
We want to stay in touch to help you keep doing business in whatever way is possible. Contact the Surf Coast Business Support team on 5261 0600 or business@surfcoast.vic.gov.au.
