My Business Health, a web portal designed to provide holistic support to small business owners, now features a dedicated section for those impacted by natural disasters.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell has been struck by the devastation of the recent bushfires, saying small businesses are dealing with extraordinary challenges right now.

“Small businesses in bushfire-hit areas are under enormous pressure and the difficult reality is that many will be in survival-mode for months to come,” Ms Carnell says.

“My Business Health offers simple and practical information to small business owners to help them get back on their feet.

“This includes the latest information on grants and loans being administered by state and territory governments and assistance with employer responsibilities, finances, insurance claims and tax.

“While some of these small and family business owners will be consumed with the recovery of their business – they may not be aware of the psychological distress they have experienced.

Launched in late 2019 by Ms Carnell and Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, My Business Health was developed in consultation with leading mental health organisations including Beyond Blue and EveryMind and includes additional links to specific advice for common issues facing small business operators.

“Our web portal now features links to Beyond Blue resources that deal with bushfire-related trauma specifically," said Ms Carnell.

“Mental health is a serious issue for Australia’s small business community with the Productivity Commission finding the cost of absenteeism and presenteeism to the sector is over $17 billion per year. That figure is likely to be amplified in the wake of this bushfire season, so it’s really important that small business owners prioritise their wellbeing. Visiting My Business Health is an excellent starting point.”

More from The Business Conversation:

Free web portal tackling small business mental health launches: My Business Health

Ombudsman launches Guides to help small businesses tackle access to funding

Specialised team will tackle small business telecommunications disputes