Free emotional counselling and wellbeing support is now available to rural and small business owners in Southern Queensland following the launch of a new program by the Small Business Financial Counselling Service (SBFCS) Southern Queensland.
The new Business Wellness Coaching Program, made possible by a $6.75 million funding package by the Queensland Government, allows the SBFCS Southern Queensland to deliver a free holistic mental health and financial management service to support rural and small business owners with the range of challenges they’re facing.
SBFCS Southern Queensland Chief Executive Officer Ross Leggett said the new program addresses an important gap in assistance for businesses who have been under increasing strain for several years. “In addition to facing the day-to-day challenges of running a business, rural and small business owners have had to deal with the hardship and significant stress caused by COVID-19, recent floods and rising input and interest costs. Making hard business decisions has
absolutely gotten harder.”
“As cost is often a barrier to accessing mental health care and support, the new free program will deliver an essential service to business owners,” Mr Leggett said.
“Under the new program, business owners will receive free and confidential emotional counselling and wellbeing support customised to their individual needs.”
As Business Wellness Coaches are qualified mental health and wellbeing professionals who have a business background, business owners can be assured they’ll be talking with someone who can help them ‘take the next right step’.
“Business Wellness Coaches are located in Southern Queensland and will work with business owners to identify the source of challenges, reduce and manage stress, improve wellbeing and develop strategies to enable business owners to move forward with their decision making,” Mr Leggett said.
The new Business Wellness Coaching Program will be delivered alongside the well-established Small Business Financial Counselling Service Program, allowing a holistic service to be delivered to businesses.
“Almost always, a business owner’s mental health is inherently linked with the state of their business.”
“By working holistically with a business owner to enhance their mental health and wellbeing at the same time as improving their business’ financial situation and performance, the best possible outcome is likely to be achieved not only for the business overall but for the owner and their family personally,” Mr Leggett said.
As part of the funding package unveiled by the Queensland Government, Business Wellness Coaches and Financial Counsellors will also be able to access a Small Business Support Service Fund to assist business owners in alleviating the stresses of their current situation such as cash flow, financial planning and minor works.
Through the fund, Business Wellness Coaches and Financial Counsellors will be able to look at individual circumstances and connect a business owner with a service provider where further specialist support is needed.
More information about the Business Wellness Coaching Program can be found at www.rfcssq.org.au/wellness