Austrade is giving out assistance to small and medium sized enterprises which have been impacted by Australia’s recent natural disasters. The assistance applies to SMEs around Australia which have felt the brunt of flooding, cyclones or bushfires, especially in Queensland, but also in Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and NSW.

SMEs may be eligible if their headquarters are located in disaster-affected areas, if their produce is sourced from those areas or if their supply chains have been disrupted.

Austrade charges $190 an hour for its tailored advice, but eligible businesses will have this fee waived to assist them in recovery. The assistance will be provided for a period of 12 months.

The first point of contact should be Austrade on 13 28 78, during which there will be an initial evaluation. SMEs will then be asked to send an email describing their international businesses, how they have been affected and the nature of any assistance required. They can expect to receive a formal acknowledgement of their application within two to three days.

Austrade’s domestic network of specialist Export Advisers and TradeStart Advisers will coordinate any assistance to eligible SMEs through Austrade’s global network of offices. For further information and government assistance in your area please visit Australian Government Disaster Assist.

Businesses affected by recent natural disasters in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia can access further Government assistance Programs at Business.gov.au.