Pilbara small business owners offered free support service

Owning a small business is undeniably challenging, and these difficulties are often magnified when operating on a regional scale. The Cook Government is re-launching a free advisory service for regional businesses across Western Australia, including in Karratha and Port Hedland. The Small Business Development Corporation will now provide more accessible support through SBDC Regional, which replaces Business Local regional. The service will enable small business owners to seek free advice on diverse areas, from financial guidance to digital marketing. Advisors have been employed based on their understandings of the challenges that come with running a business out of a metropolitan area. Altra Fine Foods in Karratha is just one regional business that has benefited from SBDC Regional services, with the owners accessing specialist commercial tenancy advice in order to secure their lease. Small Business Minister Jackie Jarvis said it was essential to sustain small businesses in regional areas because of their contributions to the spirit of a town. “Regional small businesses are well known for being the heart of their communities, and important economic generators for our State that create local jobs and diversify the economy,” she said. “We know just how important it is for business owners to receive high quality advice from people who understand small business at key stages of their business life cycle.” Business owners looking to use the service can head to business@ipsau.com.au or phone 1300 275 477