With the peak of the River Murray flood having passed, the focus for the Malinauskas Government is now on clean-up and recovery. Having been out several times to visit flood affected communities over the summer, I have seen firsthand the devastation caused.
The South Australian Government will continue to do everything we can to support these communities to recover including the many small businesses impacted.
We have worked closely with the Federal Government to introduce new grants to support our River Murray small businesses:
- Up to $50,000 for a Small Business Flood Recovery Grant, to help pay for costs of clean-up and reinstatement of small businesses and not-for-profit organisations that have experienced damage.
- Small Business Industry Support Grants of $10,000, to help small businesses who have experienced a downturn of 30% or more in revenue within the last three months.
In addition, any affected business along the River Murray can use the confidential, independent and free financial counselling through Rural Business Support. You can go here for more information about all available supports.
Despite the heartbreaking impact the floods continue to have and the ongoing economic challenges we continue to face, I am optimistic for the year ahead for small and family businesses in this state.
Very soon, we will release the first ever Small Business Strategy with real actions to support you to grow your businesses, including providing resources designed to help you achieve your goals.
Meanwhile, another round of the See it LIVE e-vouchers is now open. Venues hosting live music acts including pubs, clubs, bars, restaurants and cafes can apply for a $400 single e-voucher or a five-pack of e-vouchers worth $2,000.
We have also announced ground-breaking mandates that will support South Australian small and family businesses: all public houses built in South Australia must use products manufactured in this state where available - the first change announced as a result of sweeping and broad reforms to government procurement.
Every contract counts and can make a big difference to a small or family business. I’m proud our government is giving hard working South Australians a competitive edge and ensuring the economic benefits stay right here in SA.
Interstate and international tourists spent nearly a billion dollars in South Australia during October 2022, the state’s highest monthly visitor spend ever.
With fabulous events, strong growth in business travel and our conference sector, as well as the traditional holiday peak periods like school holidays driving huge levels of domestic tourism – venues, hotels, event suppliers, restaurants and retailers are reaping the rewards.
We are looking forward to an exciting calendar of events in 2023, which will continue to boost our economy, and I look forward to keeping you updated throughout the year.
The Hon Andrea Michaels MP, Minister for Small and Family Business
