More Financial Counsellors will soon be on the ground to help flood-impacted small businesses in regional Southern Queensland thanks to a funding boost.

The Australian Government will provide an additional $800,000 to extend the Regional Small Business Support Program to include small businesses affected by recent flooding in Queensland and NSW.

Small Business Financial Counselling Service (SBFCS) Southern Queensland Chief Executive Officer Ross Leggett said the funding boost was good news for flood-impacted small businesses in regional Southern Queensland. “The funding will allow the SBFCS Southern Queensland to provide additional Financial Counsellors to deliver one-on-one practical support to these small businesses when they need it the most.”

Many small businesses in regional Southern Queensland have been hit hard by the flooding disaster and are now faced with a massive clean up to their premises and significant loss of trade.

“The flood recovery process can often feel overwhelming for many small businesses, particularly on the back of COVID-19 impacts in recent years,” Mr Leggett said.

The SBFCS Southern Queensland provides small businesses free, impartial and confidential assistance with flood recovery.

“Our local Financial Counsellors simplify the flood recovery process and can help businesses identify and access available funding in their area to assist with immediate expenses,” Mr Leggett said.

Usually, it will take some time for small businesses to recover from the flooding disaster.

“Businesses can be financially impacted for 12 months or more following the flooding disaster. We can help them understand their financial position and develop an effective recovery plan,” Mr Leggett said.

“Our local Financial Counsellors are also here to support businesses for the long term, providing ongoing coaching and mentoring to increase financial management capacity.”

Small businesses can access flood recovery assistance by visiting www.sbfcssq.org.au/flood