Resilient and Recovering with Assistance: Business Wodonga Connection Special Edition

THE BUSINESS CONNECTION:

Special Edition

Recovery & Resilience in Business

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EVENTS

DIRECTORY

The Australian Government has announced an economic response totalling $17.6 billion across the forward estimates to protect the economy by maintaining confidence, supporting investment and keeping people in jobs. Additional household income and business support will flow through to strengthen the wider economy.

The Government’s economic response targets four key areas:

As more information becomes available Business Wodonga will seek to keep all members informed and updated. Please keep an eye out for future newsletters and posts on our social media pages.

Please note a second stimulus package is thought to be initiated and still needs to be passed through parliament.

Australian Treasury Website

Business Wodonga is currently working hard to bring you programs to inform and assist with this fast developing situation. We are partnering with data and software specialists to bring you interactive webinars to help find cost effective solutions that will suit your business and financial needs.

We are also working with leading business coaching experts to provide face to face sessions specifically designed for the current and future challenges.

Check out our events page often and be sure to follow our social media pages. If you have an idea for a future program or would like to help support your local business in some way, please email us at mail@businesswodonga.com.au as we would love to hear from you.

Events

BUSHFIRE RECOVERY ASSISTANCE

As of 9 March 2020, the fires burnt an estimated 18.6 million hectares, destroyed over 5,900 buildings (including 2,779 homes) and killed at least 34 people. An estimated one billion animals have been killed and some endangered species may be driven to extinction. The cost of dealing with the bushfires is expected to exceed the A$4.4 billion of the 2009 Black Saturday fires, and tourism sector revenues fell below more than A$1 billion.

Both State and Federal governments have responded with a variety of programs to assist and support businesses and families recover from the disasters.

Support for Small Business Fact Sheet

Tax relief

State of Disaster areas (Wangaratta Rural Shire, Towong Shire, Alpine Shire,) are eligible for:

Immediate regional payroll tax relief so that regional employers only pay 25% of the metropolitan rate, backdated to 1 July 2019.

More Information Located Here

Bushfire Recovery Resources

There is a new new, permanent and dedicated Victorian Government agency working directly with local communities.

Some of the assistance offered could be grants up to $10000, tax relief, concessional loans, business advice and more.

Please check out some of the links and see if your business can qualify.

Bushfire Recovery Victoria Website

Government support for tourism operators

Tourism North East and Destination Gippsland will each receive a $200,000 grant to assist with their immediate recovery efforts.

This includes support for a dedicated staff member to work directly with operators and coordinate marketing and campaign activities.

Businesses, Farmers and Organisations

VICTORIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ASSISTANCE

DID YOU KNOW?

Your membership with Business Wodonga includes a membership to the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for free?

See all the additional benefits at their website.

Membership Benefits

Financial impacts

If the impacts of Coronavirus (COVID-19) are causing financial hardship for your business, your bank may have practical ways to help. Australian banks have hardship teams ready to assist you with your financial arrangements, depending on your circumstances. This is one of the many resources that are available during the next coming months. Here is a list of Australian bank hardship team contact details.

The Small Business Mentoring Service offers low-cost sessions with a diverse range of mentors that can help you to navigate difficult business decisions, prepare business continuity plans, review your business strategy or revise your business plans. Or a free 45-minute session with an experienced business adviser is available via the Small Business Bus.

Many more benefits are available so check out the links below.

Additional Information Here

EMOTIONAL ASSISTANCE RESOURCES

Stress and anxiety is a normal, commonly felt reaction to times of crisis and challenges. Being self aware and proactive about seeking help can dramatically improve coping capability and ensure that impacts are minimized as best as possible.

Stress savvy in business and Heads Up for Small Business have advice and resources to help you look after your own mental health and manage mental health issues you may experience in the workplace.

Support is also available to you and your family from Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636 or online chat) and Mensline (1300 78 99 78).

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL

How to lead in times of crisis

Employees need to believe that their organization is able to handle the crisis. Here are some tips to make that happen.

Working From Home?

More and more people are working from home to try to limit the spread of coronavirus. If you’re a remote work newbie, make sure you’re following these productivity hacks.

7 Great Tips