The government has announced $10.9 million in extra funding for the NewAccess for Small Business Owners program operated by Beyond Blue and an extra $4 million for the Small Business Debt Helpline operated by Financial Counselling Australia.
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson said Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business Owners program offers free one-on-one telehealth sessions with specially trained mental health coaches providing evidence-based advice on strategies for managing stress.
“The success of the NewAccess for Small Business Owners program is built on it being delivered by coaches who have experience in small business. Being able to speak to someone who understands the mental load of running a small business makes a big difference,” Mr Billson said.
The Small Business Debt Helpline provides financial counselling support, particularly for small-business owners who have loans secured against their family home and are uncertain about their future.
“For small business owners the stakes can be incredibly high and losing the business often means also losing the home,” Mr Billson said.
Mr Billson said the resilience of small-business owners is being tested and this support was vital.
“Small and family business owners are literally exhausted. There has been no reprieve from the rolling natural disasters such as floods, bushfires and drought and the lingering effects from COVID-19 and the various lockdowns and restrictions,” he said.
“Small businesses are struggling to make rosters work and keep doors open due to labour and skills shortages; grappling with supply troubles that means critical inputs, goods and services are not always available; adjusting to higher inflation [than] many have experienced; rising interest rates; and on edge about cyber security fears.
“Many small businesses are not making a profit and eating into whatever reserves and personal resources they have to pay their bills and service business debts. Understandably this has taken a toll on the bottom line and wellbeing.”
More information about the NewAccess for Small Business Owners program is available at: www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/newaccess-mental-health-coaching/newaccess-for-small-business-owners
