A Fresh Set of Eyes on the Farm Finances
In regional and rural communities, the pressures on primary producers and related rural enterprises continue to grow—whether it’s the impact of rising input costs, changing market conditions, family succession, debt concerns or recovering from natural disasters. When you’re in the thick of it, it can feel overwhelming, and it’s often hard to know what support is available—or even where to start.
That’s where we come in. For more than 30 years, Rural Business Support (RBS) has been delivering the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) across South Australia and the Northern Territory, providing free, independent and confidential support to farmers, fishers, foresters and related rural enterprises navigating financial challenges.
Our rural financial counsellors work alongside you—on farm, in town or via phone or video—to help clarify your financial situation, explore viable options and map out a plan for the future. They’ll also support you to build financial literacy and confidence, helping you uncover opportunities and insights you may not have realised were available. With the right guidance, you can regain control, make informed decisions and build a more resilient business.
How We Help
Our qualified rural financial counsellors provide one-on-one support tailored to your unique circumstances. 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.
Personalised, Local Support – On Your Terms
We understand that every business is different. That’s why:
- Our support is completely free, confidential and independent.
- We come to you—on-farm, in town, or via phone/video—at a time that suits you.
- We work with rural, regional and remote farming families to strengthen financial resilience.
- Our rural financial counsellors live and work in your community, so they understand firsthand the challenges that local farming families are facing.
- We provide long-term support, working alongside you for up to three years.
Business Health Check
If you’re concerned about your financial situation, a Business Health Check is a great place to start. Our rural financial counsellors will work with you to:
- Gain clarity on your financial position – Understand your income, expenses, debts, and assets.
- Improve financial literacy – Learn how to interpret financial reports and make informed decisions.
- Assess business sustainability – Identify potential risks and opportunities to strengthen your business model.
- Plan for the future – Develop strategies that help you manage uncertainty and take control of your finances.
By understanding where you stand today, you’ll be empowered to make confident decisions for a stronger future.
Take the First Step Today
If you’re feeling uncertain about your financial situation or need support to explore your options, we’re here to help. Contact us today for a confidential conversation with one of our local support officers.
The sooner you reach out, the more options you’ll have. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more secure future for your business.