Ms McAlary-Smith saw the extensive repairs under way at the Seymour car dealership and heard of the broader impact on local businesses that are yet to reopen during her February 21 visit.
Ms McAlary-Smith said one of the key issues raised was frustrations in navigating dealings with government, from permits and approval processes through to understanding why decisions were made.
“The community of Seymour is a resilient one with a great sense of entrepreneurship and optimism for the future,” she said.
The Victorian Small Business Commission advocates on issues affecting people in small business and raises awareness of their rights and obligations.
It offers dispute resolution services for a range of situations a small business owner may find themselves in.
More than one third of disputes are solved early on, often just by providing free help over the phone.
For more complex matters, online mediation sessions can negotiate fair outcomes.
Ms McAlary-Smith said that could avoid the high costs, stress and lengthy delays of going to court.
“Regional business can find themselves in a range of disputes — for example, a big business refusing to pay their small business supplier on time, despite the small business having provided the goods as agreed,” she said.
“Other instances can be where a small business is in a dispute over a contractor failing to meet their obligations under a contract.
“We’re also seeing tenant and landlord disputes over repairing damage to a retail premises after extreme weather.”
In addition to this service, the Business Relief Service connects business owners with a local business relief adviser either by phone or on the ground.
These advisers can help assess the impacts of flood damage and identify their needs, manage issues with their insurance provider or landlord, access government supports where they’re eligible and navigate other services, including mental health support.
Ms McAlary-Smith said connectedness and support from the broader community and business networks was a resounding message of the Seymour meeting.
“I urge all small businesses to join their local business network,” she said.
“They can help to create effective channels of communication that can be relied on in a crisis, and a united voice for communicating with government, including their local council.
“They can also help in exploring creative ways for raising awareness of their precinct and the unique value of their small business community.
“It was clear that the community is committed to repairing and rebuilding, and supporting each other to make that happen.”
To seek the Victorian Small Business Commision’s help, visit https://www.vsbc.vic.gov.au/
To access the Business Relief Service, visit https://business.vic.gov.au/
