CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB), Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA) and the Ombudsman are calling for a government funded subsidy to ensure small businesses can access urgently needed professional advice on their viability.
Under the jointly proposed Small Business Viability Review program, small businesses with up to $10 million in annual turnover would be eligible to obtain a subsidy valued up to $5,000 to access a tailored 15-month plan from an accredited professional on how and whether to turn around their business or exit.
“Small businesses have endured the toughest trading conditions we’ve seen in living memory over the past few months and the sad reality is that not all of them will survive,” Ms Carnell said.
“As of today, there are many Australian small businesses that are no longer eligible for JobKeeper, however they may still be experiencing a significant reduction in turnover of anything up to 29 per cent.
“Those businesses that aren’t getting JobKeeper will also no longer be eligible for rent holidays or reductions as JobKeeper eligibility is part of the criteria for commercial rent relief negotiations.”
With banks also seeking repayment plans from their small business loan holders, Ms Carnell warned that there is a snowball effect that could place many otherwise viable small businesses under significant financial distress.
“Small businesses need access to an accredited professional adviser such as an accountant or bookkeeper to judge the viability of the business now. This is the critical first step that the small business owner needs to take so they can make an informed decision about the future of their business.”
IPA CEO Andrew Conway explained that access to professional advice goes to the heart of businesses managing through the crisis, to business recovery and adapting to the changing environment.
“The government’s recently announced plans to overhaul insolvency laws to give small businesses a chance to trade through the coming months is welcome,” Mr Conway said.
“It’s now vital the government supports these small businesses to get the tailored advice they need to plan ahead.”
CPA Australia CEO Andrew Hunter noted also that providing financial support to businesses to access advice would benefit businesses, their staff and the economy.
“Access to professional advice is essential to enable businesses to manage through a crisis, adapt to the new environment and aid in their recovery,” Mr Hunter said.
CA ANZ CEO Ainslie van Onselen reiterated that small businesses under financial strain may not be able to afford much-needed professional advice in the midst of a pandemic-induced recession.
“Small businesses have a short window to revitalise their operations and professional advisers play a key role in determining the best course of action,” Ms van Onselen said.
“Tight cash flow, compounded by other business costs, could make professional advice unaffordable and that would imperil their future.”
Institute of Certified Bookkeepers executive chairman Matthew Addison noted that the importance of small businesses getting advice from a trusted source.
“Bookkeepers have been working hard to assist their small business clients over the past few months,” Mr Addison said.
“Government support for small businesses now will assist them to make a wise decision about their future.”
Also part of the initiative, COSBOA CEO Peter Strong revealed that the COVID crisis, which has come on the back of devastating natural disasters, has driven many small businesses to the brink.
“Deloitte Access Economics modelling estimates about 240,000 small businesses are at risk of failure and that highlights the need for small businesses to sit down with their trusted adviser for a viability assessment,” Mr Strong said.
“We know that many small businesses are under enormous financial pressure as a result of this crisis and the sooner they act on their professional advice the better the outcome for everyone involved.”
