Successful Small Business Month wraps up
Published on 03 November 2025
Several natural disasters have hit our region over the past few years, making the subject of business continuity planning very popular.
As Small Business Month closes, Nambucca Valley Council General Manager, Bede Spannagle, said Council delivered four free events for small businesses and that business continuity was the most popular workshop.
“Natural disasters will happen again, so it’s good to see local small business owners being proactive and seeking to be better prepared for the impacts of natural disaster,” he said.
“Part of Council’s Economic Development & Tourism Strategy is supporting local businesses to be resilient and engaged. I’m proud we were able to provide useful events throughout October to support this goal.”
Small business owner and workshop facilitator, Julie Humphris, led the business continuity workshop on Tuesday 28 October. She reminded attendees applications for the recovery grant of up to $25,000 for an eligible small business, if impacted by natural disasters earlier this year, closed on 11 December.
“Thinking about your business preparedness or continuity is essential and it is more involved than your personal safety plan,” she said.
“It encompasses your assets, business finances, insurance, premises, stock, staff potentially and their mental health, and communications.
“I’d encourage any small business owner impacted by the east coast low in May or ex-tropical cyclone Alfred in March to reach out to a NSW Business Bureau team member and see if you are eligible for assistance.”
The five steps recommended at the workshop to prepare your small business for a natural disaster and continuity were:
- Know your risk: identify the disasters that might face your business. If you’re new to the area, you can chat to neighbouring businesses, chambers of commerce or Council about past disasters.
- Plan for what you will do: make an emergency action plan for what you will do in a disaster. If you have a business partner or staff, talk about it.
- Get your business ready: there are some practical and easy actions you can take now to prepare your business and plan for business continuity. While appropriate actions will depend on a business’ individual circumstances, it could be backing up all of your digital information to the Cloud or an external hard drive, stored elsewhere, and having your business assets photographed and their maintenance schedule recorded.
- Be aware: if a disaster does strike, knowing where to look for up-to-date information. Consider downloading the Hazards Near Me app.
- Look out for each other: neighbouring businesses can be one of the best sources of information and help before, during and after a disaster. Develop connections with local businesses and commit to helping one another.
For more information on NSW Government Recovery Support Services and concessional loans, transport subsidies and grants, visit the website or contact 13 77 88. Applications for small business owners and primary producers impacted by severe weather in May and ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred in March close on 11 December 2025.