February 19, 2014
The Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation says three businesses have been brought back from the brink of foreclosure – and another 10 are being provided with essential one-on-one assistance to ensure their survival – by the group’s financial counselling service.
BIEDO Business Financial Counsellor Carmel Summers can negotiate with banks, the Australian Taxation Office and other financial institutions as part of the assistance offered.
She can also provide financial analysis, cash-flow projections, record reconstructions, systems management and much more to help businesses move forward after a natural disaster.
The service is confidential, delivered at home or office, and is free to small businesses and primary producers in the South Burnett, North Burnett and Banana Shire regions due to funding from the Federal Government.
“We were made aware of options that we didn’t know existed,” one client said.
“We thought that we might be about to lose our business, our home – everything. We are very grateful for the help with our budget, financials and negotiations with the Tax Office.
“Carmel is always there to support us in any way she can and we are just so fortunate to have heard about the service right when we needed it.”
Another said: “We didn’t know where to turn; we thought we had run out of options. Now we are feeling hopeful for the future of our business,” were the words of another.”
BIEDO CEO Linda Silburn said the organisation could also help families and individuals access personal counselling for stress and depression.
“The ongoing effects of natural disasters are not just financial, they are emotional as well,” she said.
“We have an amazing rural counsellor who goes out to properties and businesses and works with families and individuals in a very relaxed and non-threatening way. This service is also free and confidential; and because he is rural too, he really understands.
“It is important to remember that even good business and property managers can be overwhelmed by repeated climate events beyond their control.”
For more information about these services, contact the BIEDO office on (07) 4169-7851 or by email
