What is Small Business Financial Counselling, and who is it for?
Small Business Financial Counselling (SBFC) supports eligible small and family-owned business owners in rural, regional and remote areas who are experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.
Rural Business Support delivers SBFC across South Australia and the Northern Territory through a range of funded programs. Our counsellors help you understand your financial position, explore options and work through practical steps to support your business.
Am I eligible for Small Business Financial Counselling?
To be eligible, your business generally needs to:
- Be a rural or regional small business employing 19 or fewer people
- Be experiencing, or at imminent risk of, financial hardship
- Be seeking support that falls within the scope of financial counselling services
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to contact us, and our team can talk this through with you.
Does Small Business Financial Counselling cost anything?
No. All our services are free, with no fees or hidden costs.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. Our support is confidential and provided with care and respect for your privacy, particularly within rural and regional communities where discretion is important.
If you’re more comfortable speaking with someone outside your local area, just let us know and we’ll make that arrangement.
How long can I access support?
The level and duration of support will depend on your circumstances and the program you are accessing.
Our team will work with you to ensure the support provided is practical, relevant and focused on your needs.
I’m busy or remote, how does support work?
We understand how demanding running a small business can be. Support is flexible and can take place at your business or home, in town, or by phone or video.
Your counsellor will work around what suits you best.
How is a Small Business Financial Counsellor different from an accountant?
An accountant focuses on tax, compliance and reporting. A Small Business Financial Counsellor focuses on your overall financial situation and future options.
They can help you:
- Understand your financial position
- Develop budgets and cash flows
- Explore options for managing debt or financial pressure
- Prepare for discussions with lenders and creditors
- Understand your rights and available support
What can a Small Business Financial Counsellor help me with?
Your counsellor can assist you to:
- Understand your business finances and cash flow
- Develop business plans and budgets
- Explore options to manage financial challenges
- Prepare for and negotiate with creditors
- Access dispute resolution services
- Understand available government or community grants and support
- Connect with other professional or community supports when needed
All decisions remain yours; our counsellors support you to make informed choices but can’t guarantee specific outcomes.
Is it too late to seek help if my business is already under pressure?
No. Even if your business is under significant strain, a counsellor can help you understand your options, prioritise next steps, and support you through difficult conversations with creditors or lenders.
Reaching out early can make a real difference, but it’s never too late to ask for help.
Are there things Small Business Financial Counsellors can’t do?
Yes. While counsellors provide practical support, they can’t:
- Charge fees or accept any form of payment
- Provide accounting, taxation or legal advice
- Represent you in legal proceedings
- Provide family, emotional or mental health counselling
- Provide technical or industry-specific advice
- Recommend specific financial products
They can, however, help connect you with appropriate professionals or services where needed.
How do I get started?
You can contact us by calling FREECALL 1800 836 211 or by sending an email to [email protected]
You’ll speak with a member of our dedicated Program Support Team, who will listen to your situation and help determine whether Small Business Financial Counselling is the right fit. If our phone lines are busy, leave a message and we’ll get back to you within 48 hours (often sooner).