Ausindustry launches small business support line

10th September, 2009

A free service offering small business advice and support over the phone was officially launched on September 3rd by Small Business Minister Dr Craig Emerson.

The Small Business Support Line delivers on the Government's $10 million budget commitment to provide additional advisory services to small business during the global recession.

"Establishing and maintaining a small business can be a daunting prospect at the best of times, but even more so during an economic downturn," Dr Emerson said.

"In many cases people just don't know where to turn.

"This support line will help small business operators navigate the myriad of government departments and specialised services needed to establish or improve a business.

The Small Business Support Line will provide an initial ‘single' point of contact to access information and referral services that assist small businesses including:

> Finance and cash flow management (including loan and banking products)
> Marketing and promotion, including research and statistics
> Business planning and diagnostic services
> Legal, accounting and taxation services
> Personal stress and hardship counsellingRegistration and licences
> E-Business and online assistance
> Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)
> Government initiatives, grants and assistance
> Employing staff
> Home-based business
> Importing and exporting
> Tenders and contracts
> Intellectual property
> Insurances
> Personal stress and hardship counselling
> Government regulation
> Human resource management

People can phone the small business support team toll free on 1800 777 275 between 8am and 6pm weekdays.
Email inquiries are also welcome at sbsl@innovation.gov.au

For more information, visit ausindustry.gov.au