Here for Business

By Tina Zawila

In 2016, the Rio Tinto Community Fund launched a program called “Here for Business” to compliment it’s suite of “Here for Gladstone” community support programs.  At the time, the Fund Board identified the potential changes to our local economy post-construction boom, and recognised the need to promote and strengthen small businesses in our community.

Statistics show that small business is the backbone of Australia’s economy with almost 98% of Australian businesses reporting annual turnover of less than $2m, and with most businesses employing only between 1 and 4 people (according to the ABS Count as at June 2017).  So to support economic and employment growth, you need to support small business.

The Here for Business program is designed to support local entrepreneurs to launch, or expand their businesses, where this activity will add economic value to our community and lead to employment opportunities.

The program offers entrepreneurs access to a team of professional business advisors to help refine, or develop a robust business plan, and work with them to prepare to launch, or grow, the business venture.

The Fund also offers successful applicants access to an interest-free, micro-finance two-year loan to help them acquire key plant and equipment or other strategic assets critical to the establishment or growth of the business.

To be eligible, the business must:

• ·         operate (or will operate) in the Gladstone region, 
• ·         generate employment (for a non-related person) in the next 24 months,
• ·         be operational now, or no later than within 6-12 months of application,

And the entrepreneur must:

• ·         have capital ready to invest in the business
• ·         be prepared to commit to the program and pay a refundable deposit

The program is one of the first of it’s kind in Australia, and has already helped numerous local businesses launch, grow and employ.   Is your business next?

Sothertons Gladstone is proud to be the facilitators of this amazing program on behalf of the Rio Tinto Community Fund.  If you would like more information, visit the website: www.hereforgladstone.com.au or call our office on 4972 1300.