Esperance small business community to benefit from Government support

9/01/07
Small businesses in the storm-ravaged Esperance region are likely to suffer hardships similar to their farming counterparts, affecting cash flow, stock damage and loss.
The region was yesterday declared a natural disaster zone.
Small Business Minister Margaret Quirk said that through the Small Business Development Corporation, the State Government would provide one-to-one business consultations for small business operators facing difficulties.
"The first point of contact is the Esperance Small Business Centre and our Perth-based SBDC advisory team is also on stand-by to assist wherever necessary," Ms Quirk said.
"The acting managing director of the SBDC, Steve Moir and two business advisers, will also travel to Esperance on Thursday to meet with small business owners to offer assistance and advice where needed.
"While insurance may cover the costs of actual damage, small business operators need to put in place sound business planning for the longer term."
The Minister said the SBDC advisory team had provided valuable information and advice to small business operators in the aftermath of the Exmouth and Moora floods in 1999, and more recently had travelled to the Central Mid-West to assist those affected by extreme dry season conditions.
Ms Quirk said while regional small businesses were particularly resilient, the Government would be working hard to ensure those in the Esperance region weathered the effects of the storm as well as possible.
"Along with those involved in agriculture, the many small businesses associated with the fishing industry in Esperance will be doing it tough, while professional fishing boats and charter vessels are stranded in the harbour," she said.
"Declaring the region a natural disaster allows much of the repair work to commence immediately, bringing plenty of contract work for local businesses."
Small business operators wishing to access the SBDC small business advisory service should call 131 BIZ (131 249) at the cost of a local call.
The Esperance Small Business Centre can be contacted on 9071 3377.
Minister's office - 9213 7000