Owning and operating a small business can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. It will almost certainly be one of the most challenging.
It calls for a broad range of knowledge, not only about the goods or services you sell, but about managing money. Add to that the skills you need to acquire in marketing, presentation, human resources, negotiating etc. and it's easy to see why most small business owners work long hours and struggle on so many levels.
Savvy operators seek help when they need it. They pay accountants to oversee their bookwork, they employ designers to help establish their brand, they hire solicitors to handle their legal affairs. That's smart if you know what help you need and where to find it.
But what about basic business principles and planning, how to recognise opportunities and act on them, how to identify threats and prepare for them?
The things you should know but are unaware of?
That's where we come into it...
Whatever financial challenges you are facing, getting support and considering your options as soon as possible is crucial. That’s why we arrange a catch-up at the earliest opportunity. Our wait times are days, not weeks, and our first conversation is usually within 24 hours. In most instances, the counsellor you see first will remain working with you until all your issues are resolved.
We know it's difficult to take time off from a small business so we make appointments in a location and at a time that suits you. It means that you can save time on travel and minimise the interuption to your customers and to your sales. It also gives our counsellor the chance to see your place of business and experience first hand the day to day operations of it.
Supporting businesses in rural and regional areas is a core value in the RFCS strategic plan. It's not only words on paper though, our counsellors want to see businesses thrive in the region they live in because they know they are an important part of a healthy community. It's why our people on the ground take such pride in their work, and why you can expect sincere and robust support from them.
Our small business financial counsellors have either been small business operators themselves or have a financial management background. They draw on their knowledge, experience and professional networks to help you understand your position, consider all options, make informed decisions and develop a strategy to help you take control of your business and financial future.
RFCS VicWest is funded through State and Federal Government Grants, donations and philanthropic contributions. It allows us to offer our services for free, and independently of outside interests.
We are bound by client confidentiality by Law, so you don’t have to worry about others finding out about your personal affairs.
Location
Your small business needs to be located within the area we service. Check the map to see the shires included in our catchment.
ABN Registered
You need to have a registered business with the Australian Tax Office.
If you’re a small business owner with less than 19 employees and facing financial challenges, you are likely eligible for our free support.
In some instances where we can’t assist directly, we will refer you to a service provider who can. A quick call to us in the first instance is it all it takes to confirm. In saying that, there are a couple of basic requirements you need to fulfil for RFCS support:
Kerrie O'Brien
Financial Counsellor
Bendigo-Swan Hill
Chris Young
Financial Counsellor
Sunraysia-Millewa
Shane Annett
Financial Counsellor
Shane Dean
Financial Counsellor
Great South Coast
Caius Ryan
Financial Counsellor
Central Highlands