Flood hotline for small business

4/4/00
Small businesses affected by recent flooding across Western Australia now have access to guidance through a special Flood Hotline.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Small Business Hendy Cowan said that officers from the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) were on hand seven days a week from 8am to 8pm to offer support to small business operators experiencing difficulties as a result of the floods.
The hotline number is 1800 199 125.
"Small businesses can ring in free of charge and work through a checklist of items in an effort to minimise flood impacts," Mr Cowan said.
"This might include reviewing their financial position and checking anything from insurance to securing goods supply.
"Where SBDC enterprise development officers are not able to offer guidance, they can refer small businesses to other groups able to assist."
One such group is the Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) network. There are 37 of these centres across the State.
Derby BEC manager Janene Troy said the network was ready to assist flood- affected small businesses with contingency planning.
"BECs in affected areas, such as the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne and Great Southern regions, can help small businesses with impact assessments on cash flows and loan and lease obligations, to name a few," Ms Troy said.
"Some businesses reliant on tourist dollars may also want to revisit their marketing strategies, given that Easter is just a few weeks away.
"It is important small business operators take up this opportunity to reduce the risk to their business and I encourage them to ring either the SBDC Flood Hotline on 1800 199 125 or visit their local BEC."
Media contacts: Peter Jackson (Minister's office) 9222-9595 / Michelle Downie (SBDC) 9220-0215