With indications that the failure rate of smaller companies in Victoria is at a much higher rate than official insolvency data has suggested, the Federal Government has launched a program to help alleviate the situation in the state.
This help comes in the form of the Workforce Australia Self-Employment Assistance program, wherein the Federal Government has engaged employment services provider Asuria to deploy specialist small-business advisors who will provide free advice and support to business owners across the state.
Under the scheme, eight Asuria Business Mentors are working across Victoria, delivering workshops, advising on business plans, offering accredited small-business training, and providing business advice sessions, business health checks, and small-business coaching.
In addition, eligible businesses seeking financial assistance may also be able to access an allowance for up to 39 weeks and rental assistance for up to 26 weeks through Asuria’s advisors.
“The emotions with any small-business owner cover the full spectrum from excitement to anxiety, so that experience is nothing new. But with so many small businesses struggling to balance their books at the moment, it’s more important than ever for business owners to have the outside support of a partner they can trust, which is where the support of Asuria Business Mentors can really make a difference,” Pauline Bernardo, one of eight Asuria Business Mentors currently deployed in Victoria, said.
“Sometimes the hardest part of carving a path towards success as a small business owner can be overcoming that feeling of going alone,” Bernardo added. “Through Asuria’s delivery of the Self-Employment Assistance program, it’s not about pretending there’s one magic solution for every business; instead, it’s about providing much-needed support, reassurance, and impartial advice at times like this when it can sometimes feel like there’s nowhere left to turn.”
Con Kittos, Executive Chairman of Asuria, said that it’s no secret that small businesses across the country are reeling from a reduction in consumer spending and the rising costs of doing business due to inflation, with many businesses owners not sure where to turn for help and support.
“That’s where Self-Employment Assistance from Asuria can make the crucial difference, providing much-needed outside support when needed most and without any cost to the business,” Kittos said.
