News

Opportunity for Small Business Operators

15th April 2009

The Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria – Murray Mallee is pleased to announce that we have received funding from the Small Business Advisory Service which is a Federal Government Body. We have formed partnerships with accredited training facilities and expert business and accounting advisers to provide information, training and advice on a wide range of business management and related issues to eligible small business operators, including farmers.

Our Rural Financial Counselling staff will assess the long term viability of businesses and where appropriate make a referral to the appropriate training provider or business consultant. Our funding will be used to subsidise the costs associated with obtaining that assistance. Our arrangement will be with the clients and we must seek a mutual obligation by developing agreed outcomes that will form part of a broader action plan.

There will be a variety of services available and they include the use of qualified business consultants who will assist with:

• Risk Management
• Succession Planning
• Business Planning Advice
• Simple Marketing Plans
• Legal & Accounting Service
• Business Management Training

As an added service we will be conducting seminars that will offer qualified speakers on a range of topics including those listed above.

The quality of the program will be underpinned by the expertise and experience of the registered training organisations in development, promotion, delivery and evaluation. All aspects of the program will occur in collaboration between Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service Inc and the relevant professionals. The major benefits to the region will be:

1.Easier access to professionals in areas such as taxation, law, personal counselling, financial planning, estate planning, accounting and other business management related areas;
2.The improved knowledge and understanding of sound business management practices;
3.The more effective and efficient intergenerational transfer of farm business assets;
4.Viable businesses equate to stronger local economy;
5.Greater self reliance of small business operators; and
6.More holistic and targeted approach to client management.

We need the co-operation and commitment from all small business operators so for further details please contact our service on 5022-0799.