This week is the start of a new financial year, often a time for small business owners to breathe a quick after-tax year and make plans for the future.
For the past four days, about three-quarters of our WA small businesses, as well as their clients, have found themselves in closed doors. The advent of IDI-19 Delta virus has made it necessary to act quickly for everyone's safety, but it is not the beginning of 2021-22 that we expect. This time last week we were celebrating the transition to WA Phase 5 and the lifting of year-round restrictions on events and hospitality.
I know that for many people, especially those in those businesses, are classified as non-essential retail and hospitality, fitness, beauty and other industries that are closing this week, your reserves (both financial and Personal) running low. As we begin the transition from closing at midnight tonight (12.01am, Saturday, July 3), it's time for the school holidays if you need support or just listen to find out how to solve business problems. These our team is waiting to help you.
For those who are particularly affected by the psychological effects of ongoing disruption, I would like to point you to some resources:
NewAccess for Small Business Owners - A free and confidential mental health training program developed by Beyond Blue specifically to provide the support small business owners need. You do not need a mental health plan from your doctor to access this structured six-episode program, which is available nationwide by phone or video.
This is the Australian Tax Office (ato) if you are struggling to meet your tax and payment obligations on time.
Lifeline (Suicide and Crisis Support) -13 11 14
Please do not put yourself last.
On a more optimistic note, there are strong indications for months of our economic recovery, with Deloitte reporting in May that our state economy is back to where it was before. Or better yet. For the last 18 months, I have been inspired by the resilience and agility shown by the small business community. The importance of this sector is well established and I believe that 2021-22 will bring you many opportunities. I want to encourage you all to come back now as much as we can to meet the needs of the transition and support other small businesses in our community as much as possible. Together we are a force to be reckoned with!
I wish you good luck for the new financial year.
David Eaton
WA Small Business Commissioner
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