Federal Budget 2012: Swan and O’Connor Maintain Faith with Small Business Advisory Services

Australia’s peak body for small business says a modest cut to funding for the Small Business Advisory Service (SBAS) in the 2012 Federal Budget should be seen as a diligent and measured decision when viewed in the context of global economic conditions and pressure to make savings on the road to surplus, says Business Enterprise Centres Australia (BECA) chairman Jack Hughes.

Treasurer, Wayne Swan, and Small Business Minister, Brendan O’Connor, have decided to extend the SBAS for another four years, just weeks before it was to end on June 30.

“Everyone who understands small business knows the SBAS is a lifeline, particularly to new businesses, in providing free advice to help small business people make sound decisions as they navigate the challenges of the marketplace and labour market,” said Mr Hughes.

“It is clear the Gillard Government has made a tough decision in the national interest, by ensuring BECs can continue nurturing the small business sector through the SBAS, such a crucial act for ensuring any new recoveries do not stall.

“Admittedly, it will be painful bearing a cut in funding from $40 million over four years down to $27.5 million, but to be frank, with all the pressures on the budget there was a real likelihood of getting zero,” said Mr Hughes.

New Funding for ‘Nation Building’ BEC Network

Business Enterprise Centres in every state of Australia are among recipients of Federal Government funding as part of round two of the Small Business Advisory Services program (SBAS).

“This extra funding is a vote of confidence in the important, nation-building work our Business Enterprise Centres (BECs) are carrying out as they support small and micro businesses with advice and training,” says BEC Australia chairman Peter Murray.

“A flourishing small and micro business sector is vital to Australia’s economic security and this new round of funding will ensure the BEC network will continue to play its vital role in a diverse range of regions and communities across Australia,” he says.