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small business Agriculture | May 31, 2017

Kealy – Small business financial counselling must continue

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP is calling on the State Government to immediately commit to ongoing funding for small business financial counselling services.

Operated under the banner of the Rural Financial Counselling Service, the Small Business Counselling Service provides free support to small businesses to help them operate as efficiently as possible.

Funding for the Small Business Counselling Service will cease in June 2017.

“I am calling on the Andrew’s Labor Government to provide ongoing security for this vital service by immediately committing to an extension of funding,” Ms Kealy said.

“While a relatively new program, demand for the Small Business Counselling Service is steadily growing and the feedback being received from clients is extremely positive.

“The important role that small business plays by providing jobs and stimulating our local economy cannot be emphasised enough,” she said.

Financial counsellors offer free, confidential and independent advice including support with accessing government assistance packages and developing financial action plans.

“The counsellors do an exceptional job working with people in their own business or home, helping them pull together information to get their finances in order to ensure their ongoing financial sustainability,” Ms Kealy said.

“The Andrew’s Labor Government must immediately commit to an extension of funding to allow this vital service to continue in western Victoria”, she said.

For more information on the free services available through the Rural Financial Counselling Service in the Wimmera and South West Victoria visit www.wswrcs.com.au or phone 1300 735 578.