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RDALC: We Value Small Business

Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast (RDALC) have been supporting our small business community for the last 26 years. From providing one-on-one guidance on how to start a business, to supporting large multi-million-dollar applications for funding, the team at RDALC are approachable, adaptable, and are connected to the services and support that our region’s businesses need the most.

“Small businesses have had a tough time in the last 18 months, with the ever-changing border and business activity restrictions and the uncertainty of what’s around the corner, we recognise now more than ever how important it is that we are here to support our business community to prosper,” said David Wheaton, RDALC CEO.

“Our business support is not just about helping someone with a business plan, it’s about identifying where they need assistance to remain viable and connecting them to the information, programs and services that can help them achieve that,” said Mr Wheaton.

From supporting businesses like Coonawarra Experiences with their successful funding application, to assisting Boneham Cottages address their workforce shortages, through to helping large-scale businesses like UDC at Penola navigate border closures for their staff, the RDALC team has the knowledge, connections and understanding to help businesses keep their doors open.

“Like many of our small businesses, we operate a small but effective team and have well established relationships across the region,” said Mr Wheaton. “We pride ourselves on being able to adapt to the current needs of the industry and have created programs and support services in response to these,” Mr Wheaton said.

“We have seen our region’s businesses struggle with COVID-19 and have been re-focusing our services and programs to ensure we are meeting every business’s needs, both large and small,” said Rachael Ashman, Manager Business and Workforce Development. “We have developed our Expert Connection program to provide free professional, expert assistance to those businesses critically impacted by the pandemic,” she said.

In recognition of how difficult the past 18 months have been, RDALC have been paying the participant fees for the workshops and training delivered by the Adelaide Business Hub under the Australian Small Business Advisory Service (ASBAS) program.

“We have made sure our workshops cover the topics that our businesses really need and because we know that cash-flow has been a real issue for some operators, we are picking up the costs of these workshops,” said Rachael Ashman. “Over the past 18 months we have funded capacity building training for 115 business operators and owners across the Limestone Coast, providing invaluable access to information and skills to keep their business operating,” she said.

Through the electronic newsletter, The Weekly, RDALC focus on responding to the needs of the Limestone Coast business community by providing up-to-date information on COVID-19 directions, grants and funding, professional development and free (or low cost) training and workshops.

The team at RDALC also provide investment and infrastructure support through economic analysis and assistance with framing funding applications. “In the past 18, months for just the council areas of Wattle Range and City of Mount Gambier, we have seen $2.97 million dollars in grant funding secured for regional projects,” said Mr Wheaton.

“While there are some questions around the value our organisation offers to Limestone Coast businesses, we will continue to provide real and tangible outcomes and services to our local businesses and community,” said David Wheaton “We acknowledge and value the vital role small businesses provide in our region.”

For more information on the support that RDALC can provide your business, call 8723 1057 or our business assistance page here.

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