With the effects of flooding events still being felt across Greater Shepparton, Business Solutions Hub has announced the roll-out of a flood recovery program for local businesses.
The Business Support Flood Recovery Program is designed to bolster small businesses in the City of Greater Shepparton, providing them with the necessary tools, resources and expert advice to navigate the aftermath of floods and rebuild with resilience.
Challenges ranged from isolation and reduced trading capacity to staff shortages and operational hurdles, all of which have strained the local economy and its key players — small businesses.
The program directly addresses these issues with employee and workplace relations assistance, enhancing operational efficiency and fostering business resilience.
Participants of the program will gain access to various resources, such as an Employee Engagement Pulse survey, staff retention strategies, workplace policy templates and a business resilience checklist.
These tools are designed to assist business owners in assessing their current situation and preparing for future challenges, ensuring they are better equipped to face unforeseen circumstances.
Business Solutions Hub is based in Melbourne and provides business support services for businesses across the state and beyond.
The Business Support Flood Recovery Program is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements put in place following the October floods in 2022.
Business Solutions Hub executive manager Lina Altarifi said small businesses were the “lifeblood of our communities”.
“It’s vital that we offer them the support they need to recover and thrive, especially in the face of challenges like those posed by recent floods,” she said.
“Many businesses were cut off for weeks on end, struggled to find and retain trained staff and faced critical debt management, budget and cashflow issues.
“These challenges underscore the urgent need for tailored support to help businesses rebuild and strengthen their operations.”
Business Solutions Hub invites all businesses impacted by the floods to engage with the Business Support Flood Recovery Program, including participation in Business resilience seminars scheduled for April and May.
For more details on the program and to register for support services, visit www.businesssolutionshub.com.au/business-support-flood-recovery-program/