The federal government says financial support for fire-hit small business will be announced in the coming days and printers affected directly or indirectly by the disaster have been urged to not delay in making an application to ease operating conditions going forward.
Around 70 small business owners met with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and small and family business minister Michaelia Cash in Canberra on Tuesday in a bid to gain more financial support as the fallout from the fires continues.
The roundtable was also attended by Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive officer James Pearson (pictured above with PVCA chief executive officer Andrew Macaulay) who said “cash is king” for businesses struggling in the wake of the fires.
Following the meeting, Cash said in a statement that the federal government had listened to small business and more support for SMEs would be announced in coming days.
“The Government listened to the concerns and ideas raised from those on the ground in bushfire affected regions with more than 70 local and national representatives in Canberra and dialling into the meeting,” Cash said.
“Small business representatives agreed that cash flow is critical for small business during this period of recovery.
“There are currently a number of grants already available for small businesses through the Disaster Recovery Payments which can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au
“Hearing the concerns of those in the room and on the phone the Prime Minister committed to further support for small businesses, to be announced in the coming days.”
Print and Visual Communication Association chief executive officer Andrew Macaulay has urged printers suffering as a result of the fires, even if their place of business had not been destroyed but are struggling to survive with the drop off in business, to not waste time in making an application.
“If you apply this week it will be a much smoother process than if the application is left until after the dust settles,” Macaulay said.
“The funding is there to help businesses through difficult times, cover costs of staff going off to fight fires.
“Depending on their circumstances there is all sorts of funding and support services available. It won’t be the same for everyone but it is worth looking into.”
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also created a continually updated portal to assist business: https://bushfireinfo.business/
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