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| Head bush, shop local,
make a difference |
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| Times are tough out bush at the moment, our Rural Financial Counsellors are assisting farmers to navigate one of the toughest droughts in living memory. It may be green when you look outside the window, but for many farming families’ conditions are still borderline regarding a good outcome for the season.
At RBS, we know only too well, that when farmers struggle, the small and family-owned businesses who are so critical to their farming communities can find themselves in financial strife.
So, in recognition of Small Business Week and the team of Small Business Financial Counsellors being funded under the Government’s $73M Drought Response and $28M Harmful Algal Bloom support packages delivered in partnership with PIRSA and the Office of Small and Family Business, we dedicate this edition of In Focus to supporting rural, regional and remote small businesses in South Australia.
As spring weather kicks in, one of the best things you can do is pack the car and head to the country.
Stop in at the bakery, grab a pasty, have a meal at the pub, stock up at the butcher, and buy fresh fruit and veg from a roadside stall.
Buy a frock or a T-shirt, or visit the local gift shop and add to your Christmas presents box. Fill an esky with local wine, beer or gin. Take the kids fruit picking straight off the farm.
Every dollar spent in a rural, regional or remote town ripples through the community – helping keep the doors open for small and family-owned businesses.
Small businesses aren’t just shops and services. They’re the backbone of our regional towns – employing locals, sponsoring the footy club, supporting community events, and helping maintain the unique character that makes each place feel like home. When those businesses struggle, whole communities feel it.
And right now, many are doing it incredibly tough.
Drought conditions have slowed spending right across South Australia, while in coastal areas the harmful algal bloom has knocked the stuffing out of tourism. |
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| So what can business owners do to help themselves through this?
That’s where our Small Business Financial Counselling team steps in – working side by side with small and family-owned businesses to help steady the ship.
Some of the ways we can provide support includes:
Getting a clear picture – working through your books, cash flow, and debts so you gain a full understanding of your statement of position. Exploring options – whether it’s renegotiating with financial institutions, looking at grants, or restructuring costs, they’ll help map out what’s possible. Planning for recovery – helping you strengthen your business and build operational capacity, with a plan that ensures you’re not just reacting to the current downturn but preparing for the future. Being a sounding board – offering another set of eyes over your business, from someone who understands the pressures you’re under. Connecting you with support – pointing you toward programs, government support, or trusted local networks you might not know about
It’s confidential, it’s free and it gives owners the breathing space they need to make good decisions in hard times.
So yes – we need city people to head bush and spend with heart.
But we also need our small and family-owned businesses to know they’re not alone.
Rural Business Support is here, on the ground, helping cafés and hotels on the coast, bakeries, butchers and hardware stores in dry country towns, and everything in between to find a way forward.
Because when small businesses survive, communities don’t just survive – they thrive. |
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| Support rural, regional and remote small & family-owned businesses |
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| Drought SupportWe support businesses including retail shops, transport operators, agri-tourism ventures and service providers in rural, regional and remote communities. By working one-on-one with clients to understand their financial situation, our financial counsellors deliver practical strategies to manage costs, strengthen operations and regain stability.
Our Small Business Financial Counsellors support you by:• understand your financial position
• navigate financial issues
• develop plans to manage cash flow and creditor payments
• access dispute resolution services
• consider succession pathways
• seek broader professional advice and support
• access government and community grants, programs or schemes |
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| Algal Bloom Support
We support aquaculture operators, tourism and hospitality businesses and other enterprises financially impacted by the harmful algal bloom. By working one-on-one with clients for up to 30 hours, our counsellors provide tailored financial strategies to help businesses manage costs, strengthen operations and plan for recovery.
Our Small Business Financial Counsellors support you by:• undertaking an initial assessment of your business position and eligibility
• developing a recovery and continuity plan with clear, practical steps
• analysing and testing business redevelopment options
• creating cash flow and debt management strategies
• considering risk reduction measures for future adverse events
• providing case management support for up to six months to help you implement your plan
We also take into account the wellbeing of business owners, ensuring recovery plans align with your personal goals, aspirations and readiness to rebound. |
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| For more information please FREE CALL 1800 836 211 to discuss eligibility and to arrange an initial appointment to talk through your situation. |
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| | Meet the Small Business Team |
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| | Andrew Carver BUSINESS FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR Andrew has been part of the RBS team since 2021, bringing both financial know-how and a genuine passion for rural communities. He’s helped businesses navigate some tough times, from bushfires and COVID-19 to the Murray River flood. These days, Andrew splits his time between supporting small business owners in the NT and those in SA affected by the algal bloom. |
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| Danielle England BUSINESS FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR Based in the South East, Danielle brings over 20 years of experience supporting rural and regional businesses through strategic planning, decision-making and change management. A former AgriFutures Rural Woman of the Year, she is passionate about helping small and family business owners build clarity and confidence as they navigate challenges and plan for the future. |
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| | David ‘Freddy’ Freeman BUSINESS FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR Based in Whyalla, Freddy brings over 45 years of experience in farming, regional business and community leadership to his role at RBS. With a calm, practical approach and strong ties to regional South Australia, Freddy supports small and family-owned businesses to navigate challenges and make informed decisions, always with respect, empathy and a listening ear. |
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| Paula Symonds BUSINESS FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR Based in Port Lincoln, Paula brings hands-on experience in small business, farming and finance to her role supporting business owners on the Eyre Peninsula. Raised in Cummins and with a background in banking, business management and hairdressing, Paula is passionate about helping clients build confidence and take control of their financial future. |
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| | Shaun Clarke BUSINESS FINANCIAL COUNSELLOR With a lifetime of small business experience and deep ties to the Iron Triangle, Copper Coast and Yorke Peninsula, Shaun understands the highs and lows of regional business. Shaun is here to help local business owners get back to basics and take practical steps toward stronger financial management. |
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| Access free HR and IR advice, tailored to your business needs
Rural Business Support (RBS) has been engaged by the South Australian Government to provide financial counselling to small and family-owned businesses impacted by the algal bloom event.
Through RBS, you can access Angela Whillas from HR Avenues, an Industrial Relations (IR) and Human Resources (HR) specialist.
This free workforce support may include (but is not limited to): • Redundancy and recruitment strategies • Organisational structures, including re-structures • Industrial Relations, including Award interpretation • Assistance for staff with job seeking and documentation
The aim is to help businesses not only survive but also recover, adapt and maintain operational stability during ongoing environmental challenges.
Contact RBS to begin the simple process FREECALL 1800 836 211 |
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| | Algal Bloom Community Forums
These forums will provide updates on the response and recovery efforts, including the latest science, public health advice, and support measures for affected communities and industries. |
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| Technical advisory telephone service
This service is for primary producers who have been impacted by drought and prolonged dry conditions.
A panel of experts can help you with information over the phone on: livestock management agronomy soil management
When you call the PIRSA Recovery Hotline 1800 931 314, you will be asked a series of questions to assess the type of expert information you are seeking.
Based on eligibility, you will then receive a call back from a subject matter expert.
This service was established based on industry and primary producer feedback. It is being run in conjunction with technical events hosted by Livestock SA.
Registered primary producers who use the Technical Advisory Service will also be invited to participate in Livestock SA events |
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| | 30 ‘Pay It Forward’ packs delivered |
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| Our first Pay It Forward Farmer Packs have been distributed by our Rural Financial Counsellors to SA farming families thanks to generous individuals who have paid it forward.
Filled with hearty, shelf-stable meals lovingly made by Woodlane Orchard using rescued local produce, each pack is a reminder to our farmers: you’re not alone, we’ve got your back.
Want to help us deliver the next 30? Click on the above link to support a farming family today. |
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| | | Small Business Week in SA’s regions and communities
Local organisations, councils, associations and business chambers are teaming up with experts to deliver tailored, locally relevant sessions designed to help regional businesses strengthen their capabilities in key areas. What’s on in your region?
Check out the program: https://ow.ly/mKgR50WzLFP |
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| | Smarter & Faster Business: Tools to accelerate your business growth
Running a small or family business and wondering what AI means for you?
Keynote speaker Dan Levy from More Space For Light will share practical ways businesses can build confidence with AI, alongside a panel of local business owners already putting it into practice.
Register to attend this FREE event: https://bit.ly/SBWStrath |
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| Mastering Cash Flow: Support for Financial Sustainability
From cash flow dips to navigating funding and resolving disputes, running a small business comes with financial challenges. This session will equip you with practical strategies for maintaining financial health.
Register to attend this FREE event: https://bit.ly/SBWRiverland |
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| RBS representatives will be attending the following events. SBW: The Smarter Business Panel: Leveraging Finance, Insurance and AI – MT GAMBIER – Tues 23 Sept, 2025 SBW: RBS Individual Support Sessions – YANKALILLA – Wed 24 Sept, 2025 SBW: Future Proof Biz forum: Connecting Jobs, Data and Risk – TWO WELLS – Wed 24 Sept, 2025 SBW: “The Quick Wins Workshop” work smarter not harder – MILLICENT – Wed 24 Sept, 2025 SBW: Business Banters, Beer & Bubbles – LOXTON – Thurs 25 Sept, 2025 SBW: Mastering Cash Flow: Support for Financial Sustainability – LOXTON – Fri 25 Sept, 2025 Yorke Peninsula Field Days – PASKEVILLE – Tues 30 Sept, Wed-Thurs 1-2 Oct 2025 NT October Business Month – DARWIN & ALICE SPRINGS – Oct 2025 Naracoorte Show – NARACOORTE – Sat 18 Oct, 2025 SAOGA SA Oyster Seminar – PORT LINCOLN – Thurs & Fri 16 & 17 Oct, 2025 |
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| | Stay connected with Rural Business Support Want to keep up with the latest grants, rural financial support, industry news, and upcoming events? Our e-newsletter delivers practical insights and helpful resources straight to your inbox.
Know someone who could benefit? Forward this to a friend or colleague and encourage them to sign up too! |
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| | Founded in 2006, Rural Business Support (RBS) is an organisation committed to building a profitable, sustainable and resilient rural sector by supporting businesses, farmers, landowners and communities in rural, regional and remote South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Our programs and services are free, independent and confidential for eligible clients. |
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