Innovation Internet > Sections > About DIISR > Fact Sheets > Small Business Support Line
 
 
 
 
 
 


(Last Reviewed :  17/02/2010 )

KEY POINTS

  • In response to the global recession, the Small Business Support Line was established, in September 2009, to complement existing services to small businesses.
  • The Small Business Support Line provides an initial 'single' point to access information and referral services that assist small businesses. The Small Business Support Line provides information, assistance or referral on small business issues including:
    • Finance and cash flow management (including loan and banking products)
    • Marketing and promotion, including research and statistics
    • Business planning and diagnostic services
    • Legal, accounting and taxation services
    • Registration and licences
    • E-Business and online assistance
    • Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)
    • Government initiatives, grants and assistance
    • Employing staff
    • Home-based business
    • Importing and exporting
    • Tenders and contracts
    • Intellectual property
    • Franchising
    • Insurances
    • Retail leasing guidance
    • Personal stress and hardship counselling
    • Government regulation
    • Human resource management.
  • In addition to this service, the Support Line is responsible for the Small Business Credit Complaints Clearing House which provides an avenue for small businesses to direct their issues about access to and the cost of bank finance. Small Business Credit complaints can be submitted online.

FACTS AND FIGURES

  • As part of the 2009-10 Budget, the Government announced funding of $10 million over two years to establish a free support line and referral service dedicated to small business.
  • The Support Line can be contacted by Telephone on: 1800 77 7275 or by email at: SBSL@innovation.gov.au.
  • Opening Hours are Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time). The Support Line is closed on Australian National Public Holidays.
  • More than 7,600 calls have been received since the service launched.
  • Small businesses from a broad range of sectors including retail trade, manufacturing, health and community services and construction have used the service.
  • Information is being sought on a broad range of topics including registrations and licences, Government initiatives and grants, Australian Business Number (ABN), start-up information, legal, accounting and taxation.