Important information regarding Covid-19

The Australian Government has announced a support package for businesses amid growing concerns regarding COVID-19.

Areas of support include:

• Cash flow payment of up to $25,000 for employers
• 50 per cent wage subsidy for apprentices and trainees
• Increase in the instant asset write off threshold to $150,000
• 50 per cent accelerated depreciation for investments

The WA State Government has also just announced that it will be providing relief for business via its own stimulus package with the following being offered:  

• $607 million stimulus package to support WA households and small businesses in the wake of COVID-19
• $114 million in additional measures to support small businesses
• Small businesses that pay payroll tax will receive a one-off grant of $17,500
• $1 million payroll tax threshold brought forward by six months to July 1, 2020
• Businesses impacted by COVID-19 can defer payroll tax payments until July 21, 2020

The City of Fremantle as part of its Small Business Capacity Building Program has partnered with Business Foundations to deliver complimentary one-on-one advisory sessions to provide information about the Federal and State stimulus packages, and what support is available to small business via the programs. Business Foundations can offer the service online, over the phone or face-to-face if required. Advisors will spend an hour with each business providing tailored advice.

To register for a session which is provided free of charge through the City’s Small Business Capacity Building Program simply complete the registration form, select COVID-19 Federal Stimulus Advisory and email to business@fremantle.wa.gov.au.

Please note that only a limited number of places are available for eligible businesses. Refer to the registration form or the Small Business Capacity Building Program details below for eligibility criteria.

Further resources and information relating to the Federal Government’s program and others has been provided below:  

• To find out if this applies to your business go to: https://business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business or speak to your accountant.
• The Small Business Development Corporation offers free and confidential guidance to small businesses and can assist with disruptions to business.
• The Australian Tax Office will also assist businesses experiencing financial difficulty. This may include tax payment deferrals. To find out more go to: https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Dealing-with-disasters/In-detail/Specific-disasters/COVID-19/

The Western Australia Department of Health is providing information about the health impacts of coronavirus here: https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/coronavirus

City of Fremantle's Business Capacity Building Program

The City of Fremantle has developed a Business Capacity Building Program that enables local small businesses to access tailored one-on-one training, support or mentoring from industry experts.   

To encourage and support local businesses further, we are subsidising 80 per cent of the program’s cost.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Business Capacity Building Program, businesses must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

• A lease on, or ownership of, a bricks and mortar shop in the City of Fremantle (excludes popups); and 
• Business ownership based in City of Fremantle; and
• Small business as defined by Australian Bureau of Statistics (fewer than 20 employees) and the Australian Taxation Office (Annual revenue less than $2million).

Application Process

1. Download the application form
2. Confirm that you meet all eligibility criteria
3. Select one capacity building stream (more information below)
4. Submit your form to business@fremantle.wa.gov.au
5. Once approved, you'll be connected with your selected service provider

Note that places in the program will be awarded on a "first come, first served" basis for all eligible businesses.

Capacity Building Streams

1. General Business Advice - Business Foundations www.businessfoundations.com.au/business-advice

Cost to business: $100 + GST

Gain general business advice to identify, address and solve issues affecting your business. Business areas covered include: 

• Business/Corporate structure
• Business strategy
• Personal development
• Staff Development / HR Issues
• Specific business challenges or issues

2. Business Performance Assessment (Business HealthCheck) - Business Foundations www.businessfoundations.com.au/businesshealthcheck

Cost to business: $88 + GST

You will receive an independent assessment of your strengths and weaknesses across nine different areas. Plus, you will receive a comprehensive, yet easy-to-understand report inclusive of recommendations outlining the steps required to improve the efficiency and value of your business.

Interested and want to learn more about the Capacity Building Program? Contact the Economic Development team at business@fremantle.wa.gov.au.

To find out more about Business Foundations' programs, businesses can email admin@businessfoundations.com.au or visit their website.

Free monthly forums with the Chamber of Commerce

As part of our Business Capacity Building program, the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce is hosting a series of free forums for the local business community. If you missed out, you can find the podcasts of the forums here.

• Forum 1: How to navigate tight cash flow
• Forum 2: How to activate spaces
• Forum 3: Leasing in a challenging market
• Forum 4: Cyber security
• Forum 5: 'Experience' - is it a buzz word? 
• Forum 6: Getting your product to market
• Forum 7: Social media trends, tips, tricks and influencers
• Forum 8: Closing the sale
• Forum 9: Creating Positive Workplace Culture
• Forum 10: Creating attractions and events

Latest podcast

Forum 11: Wednesday 1 April 2020 - Marketing in a visually sophisticated world

Expert business advice

Business Foundations is a non-profit organisation delivering business assistance to small to medium businesses throughout Western Australia. If you are a Western Australian business you are eligible for government-funded support across a wide range of areas, including one-to-one professional advice.

Business Foundations run regular training and workshops on all matters of business, to help improve the performance of your business. For the latest workshop click here.

Connect

Fremantle Chamber of Commerce champions policies and strategies that improve the business environment in Fremantle, enhance community prosperity and develop a sustainable mix of business and lifestyle opportunities for Fremantle’s future. The Chamber acts as an advocate for the business community, a conduit for information and a promoter of Fremantle’s position in the regional landscape.

Workshops and opportunities

Free workshops in Fremantle

Check out the following free workshops that are on offer for your business:

Business Foundations

• Wednesday 25 March - Cash flow management

Small Business Development Corporation

• Starting a business

Other opportunities

Keep an eye on the following links for other opportunities to grow your business knowledge at workshops and seminars:

• ATEC and City of Perth invite you to register for the 'China Host' Tourism Workshop (WA)
• Fremantle Chamber of Commerce
• Accelerating Commercialisation grant program by business.gov.au. The business.gov.au website is a service of the Business Entry Point Initiative.The Initiative is funded by the Australian Government and coordinated by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science (DIIS)
• If you run a tourism business you might like to check out upcoming events with Tourism Council WA

Traffic Alerts

No traffic alerts at this time. 

Contact us

Economic Development
E business@fremantle.wa.gov.au
T 08 9432 9999
TTY 08 9432 9777