Small businesses are being helped to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast providing a raft of support services.
RDALC, which has been supporting the small business community for 26 years, has been providing one-on-one guidance on how to start a business, as well as supporting large multi-million-dollar applications for funding.
Chief executive David Wheaton said his team was connected to the services and support the region’s businesses need the most.
“Small businesses have had a tough time in the last 18 months, with the ever-changing border and business activity restrictions and the uncertainty of what’s around the corner, we recognise now more than ever how important it is that we are here to support our business community to prosper,” he said.
“Our business support is not just about helping someone with a business plan, it’s about identifying where they need assistance to remain viable and connecting them to the information, programs and services that can help them achieve that.
“From supporting businesses like Coonawarra Experiences with their successful funding application, to assisting Boneham Cottages address their workforce shortages, through to helping large-scale businesses like UDC at Penola navigate border closures for their staff, the RDALC team has the knowledge, connections and understanding to help businesses keep their doors open.”
Mr Wheaton said, like many small businesses, RDALC operated a small but effective team with well established relationships across the region.
“We pride ourselves on being able to adapt to the current needs of the industry and have created programs and support services in response to these,” he said.
RDALC’s business and workforce development manager Rachael Ashman said the team was focussed on adapting to service the local community.
“We have seen our region’s businesses struggle with COVID-19 and have been re-focusing our services and programs to ensure we are meeting every business’s needs, both large and small,” she said.
“We have developed our Expert Connection program to provide free professional, expert assistance to those businesses critically impacted by the pandemic.
“In recognition of how difficult the past 18 months have been, RDALC have been paying the participant fees for the workshops and training delivered by the Adelaide Business Hub under the Australian Small Business Advisory Service (ASBAS) program.
“We have made sure our workshops cover the topics that our businesses really need and because we know that cash-flow has been a real issue for some operators, we are picking up the costs of these workshops.
“Over the past 18 months we have funded capacity building training for 115 business operators and owners across the Limestone Coast, providing invaluable access to information and skills to keep their business operating.”
Mr Wheaton said through the electronic newsletter, The Weekly, RDALC focussed on responding to the needs of the Limestone Coast business community by providing up-to-date information on COVID-19 directions, grants and funding, professional development and free (or low cost) training and workshops.
“In the past 18, months for just the council areas of Wattle Range and City of Mount Gambier, we have seen $2.97m in grant funding secured for regional projects,” Mr Wheaton said.
“While there are some questions around the value our organisation offers to Limestone Coast businesses, we will continue to provide real and tangible outcomes and services to our local businesses and community.
“We acknowledge and value the vital role small businesses provide in our region.”
