The Albanese Government will deliver more than $15 million to support Australian small businesses and help them prosper in recognition of their central role in building a strong national economy.
Small businesses are the engine room of Australia's economy, employing millions of Australians and contributing more than $430 billion to our nation's economy every year. The Government wants to help improve the long-term resilience of Australia's small businesses and help them bounce back following significant challenges in recent years.
The Albanese Government's plan for small business delivers through:
- Providing $15.1 million for small business owners across Australia to access free mental health and financial counselling support including $10.9 million in support for the NewAccess for Small Business Owners Program and $4 million for the Small Business Debt Helpline.
- Providing an energy savings grant program for small and medium sized businesses, to reduce energy use and lower energy bills.
- Outlawing unfair contract terms and making it easier for small and medium size businesses to access Government procurement contracts.
The NewAccess for Small Business Owners program is a free, confidential one-on-one mental health coaching program delivered by Beyond Blue. The program provides small business owners with up to six structured sessions via telehealth with a trained mental health coach. Coaches have a small business background, allowing them to better understand the challenges small business owners may face. No GP referral or mental health treatment plan is required.
The Small Business Debt Helpline is a dedicated small business financial counselling service delivered by Financial Counselling Australia. It provides free, independent, confidential and impartial phone-based support to small business owners nationally regardless of the cause of their financial hardship.
