Support for Algal Bloom Affected Small Businesses
South Australia’s aquaculture operators, tourism and hospitality businesses and other enterprises financially impacted by the harmful algal bloom can seek support through the Small Business Financial Counselling Service. By working one-on-one with clients for up to 30 hours, our Business Financial Counsellors provide tailored financial strategies to help businesses manage costs, strengthen operations and plan for recovery.
Our 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
By adapting our approach to meet the unique needs of each business sector, we ensure that every client receives tailored financial strategies to help them stabilise, recover and grow.
Support for Drought Affected Small Family-Owned Businesses
Small, family-owned businesses across rural and regional South Australia are under growing pressure as the effects of the 2024–25 drought ripple through local economies. With reduced customer spending, supply chain disruptions and shrinking margins, many small businesses, particularly those connected to the agriculture supply chain, are struggling.
The Small Business Financial Counselling Service supports eligible businesses across all industries impacted by drought, including retail shops, transport operators, agri-tourism ventures and service providers in farming communities.
These businesses play a vital role in keeping regional towns functioning, and we are here to help them through this challenging period. By working alongside each client to understand their financial situation, we deliver practical strategies to manage costs, strengthen operations and regain stability.
Tailored Support for NT’s Diverse Business Community
Small businesses in the Northern Territory face additional challenges, including labour shortages, increased operational costs, reduced foot traffic and economic downturns. Social and economic factors, such as declining tourism and rising costs of living, make survival even tougher.
Our Northern Territory Small and Rural Business Financial Counselling Service is designed to support businesses across all industries, from pastoralists and horticulturalists managing unpredictable market shifts, to Indigenous businesses and organisations working to grow and sustain their operations. We also assist Asian-owned businesses in retail, hospitality, and service sectors, as well as tourism and hospitality operators impacted by declining visitor numbers.
By adapting our approach to meet the unique needs of each business sector, we ensure that every client receives tailored financial strategies to help them stabilise, recover and grow.
How We Help
Our Business Financial Counsellors work one-on-one with you to develop practical solutions tailored to your situation. We support you to:
- Understand your financial position
- Navigate financial challenges
- Planning for market changes
- Identifying business options
- Developing cash flow and debt management plans
- Accessing dispute resolution services
- Planning for succession
- Connecting with additional professional advice
- Accessing government and grant support
Understand your financial position
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by paperwork or unsure about where your business stands financially, we can help you get clarity. We’ll go through your financial records with you—looking at income, expenses, debts and assets—so you can see the full picture. Whether you’re unsure how much debt you actually owe or struggling to work out if your business is still viable, we can help you make sense of the numbers and plan your next steps with confidence.
Navigate financial challenges
If you’re feeling the strain of rising costs, overdue bills or a tough season, you’re not alone. Many clients come to us uncertain about how to meet their financial commitments. We can help you prioritise payments, negotiate with creditors and explore repayment options. For example, if you’ve fallen behind on loan repayments and are worried about foreclosure, we can help you work with your lender to negotiate a manageable repayment plan and avoid further financial stress.
Planning for market changes
If your business relies on seasonal income or is affected by unpredictable market conditions, it can be hard to plan for the future. Perhaps lower-than-expected returns have caught you off guard, or you’re worried about the impact of droughts, floods or price drops. We help you assess potential risks, plan for different scenarios and create financial strategies to keep your business resilient—even in tough times.
Identifying business options
If you’re considering restructuring, diversifying or adjusting your business model but aren’t sure if it’s financially viable, we can help. You might be thinking about expanding your operations, selling assets or shifting to a new business approach but don’t know if you can afford to make the change. We provide financial analysis and scenario planning, helping you weigh up your options and make informed decisions with confidence.
Developing cash flow and debt management plans
Struggling to manage cash flow? If you’re struggling to balance incoming revenue with outgoing expenses, you’re not alone. Many of our clients face the same challenge, and we can help you create a structured plan to manage costs effectively. Maybe you’re waiting on payments from suppliers while still needing to pay wages and bills, or perhaps irregular income means you’re not sure how to plan ahead. We help you create a structured cash flow plan so you can manage costs effectively, avoid shortfalls and keep your business running smoothly.
Accessing dispute resolution services
If you’re facing financial disputes—whether with creditors, suppliers or financial institutions—it can be stressful and confusing. We guide you through the dispute resolution process, helping you understand your rights and negotiate a fair outcome. If you’re feeling pressured by a lender or struggling with a contract dispute, we can help you find solutions that work for you and your business.
Planning for succession
Thinking about passing your business on to the next generation or stepping back from day-to-day management? Succession planning can be a complex process, especially when family and financial factors are involved. We help you explore different transition options, ensuring that your business remains financially secure while balancing family and legal considerations. Whether you’re trying to work out how to fairly divide assets among family members or need help understanding the financial implications of succession, we’re here to guide you.
Connecting with additional professional advice
If you need specialised legal, accounting or financial advice but don’t know where to start, we can help. Maybe you need legal support to restructure your business, or perhaps you’re looking for accounting advice on tax planning. We connect you with relevant professionals and work alongside them to ensure you get the best guidance for your specific situation.
Connecting with additional professional advice
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for financial assistance, we help you navigate the process. You might be eligible for support through Farm Household Allowance (FHA), Regional Investment Corporation (RIC) loans, PIRSA funding, or other government schemes. If you’ve tried applying before but found the paperwork overwhelming, we can guide you through the application process to improve your chances of success.
Support Where You Need It, When You Need It
We understand that every business is different. That’s why:
- Our support is completely free, confidential and independent.
- We build trust with business owners through personal, one-on-one support.
- We come to you, your business, your town, or via phone/video, at a time that suits you.
- Our Business Financial Counsellors understand the local economic and social factors impacting businesses, so they understand firsthand the challenges that rural and small family-owned business are facing.
- We develop customised financial solutions that reflect the realities of the region.
Take Control of Your Business Future
If you’re feeling uncertain about your financial situation, you don’t have to face it alone.
The sooner you reach out, the more options you’ll have. Let’s stabilise, strengthen and secure your business together.