Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Over 1800 small businesses and farmers hit by February’s devastating bushfires are now recovering, with the Brumby Labor Government approving $14.5 million in business assistance grants to date.
Small Business Minister Joe Helper said the grants were delivered through the joint Commonwealth-Victorian Government $51 million business assistance package to help small businesses and primary producers directly affected by the bushfires.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to help small business owners back on their feet following last summer’s horrific events,” Mr Helper said.
“Many small businesses and primary producers suffered loss or damaged equipment, stock, premises and other infrastructure.
“The business assistance package, announced on 14 February, is helping these small business and primary producers start the process of recovery through immediate support.
“It provides grants for ABN registered businesses with fewer than 20 full-time employees that have experienced direct damage to their premises or equipment.
“A total of $6 million in grants for clean up, immediate restoration and damage assessment costs have been approved for 789 small businesses and 448 farmers.
“A further $7.9 million for recovery and reconstruction has been approved for 255 small businesses and 205 farmers.
“The Government has also approved 122 Special Circumstances grants worth a total of $610,000 for mixed small businesses where secondary incomes of up to 50 per cent of their overall revenues were affected by the bushfires.”
Mr Helper said other bushfire assistance being delivered by the Brumby Labor Government included low interest loans through the Rural Finance Corporation as well as business advice and mentoring services.
“To date 556 small businesses and farmers have been referred to free one-on-one business counselling, delivered by organisations such as VECCI and the Small Business Mentoring Service,” he said.
“While these grants and services are making an immediate impact, helping businesses back on their feet, the Brumby Labor Government recognises more still needs to be done.
“The $51 million business assistance package will continue to provide grants for short term relief but it will also now focus on helping businesses and primary producers with long term reconstruction.”
