Council urges businesses to Get Ready during NSW Small Business Month

Published on 22 October 2020

Uralla Shire Council is encouraging local business owners to prepare for emergencies and disasters in five simple steps by downloading the free Get Ready Business toolkit from Resilience NSW as part of Small Business Month, October 2020.

Uralla Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Michael Pearce said the theme for Small Business Month 2020 is ‘Futureproof Your Business’ to increase awareness of potential stressors and business disruptors, and to provide small businesses with the tools to plan now and be ready in the event of a future disaster.

“In the wake of devastating bushfires and the global COVID-19 pandemic, we know this is one of the toughest years many small businesses have faced,” Cr Pearce said.

“This year, NSW Small Business Month is focused on the importance of businesses being disaster aware and prepared. Being prepared can improve recovery and can mean the difference between your businesses re-opening after an event or remaining closed.”

“Preparing for disruption is simply good business, and with online tools and resources available it’s never been easier. The Get Ready Business tool has been specially designed to help NSW business owners prepare for emergencies and disasters in five simple steps. Council encourages all business owners to visit the NSW Business Month website and futureproof your business now.”

Get Ready Business has been developed in conjunction with NSW Treasury, the NSW Small Business Commission and Resilience NSW.

Commissioner of Resilience NSW, Shane Fitzsimmons encouraged business owners to begin early planning and preparation for emergency, whatever the hazard may be.

“Each year, communities across NSW may experience bushfires, home fires, floods, storms, heatwaves, power outages and other emergencies,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“This year alone has been one of unparalleled emergencies. Communities across NSW were first impacted by drought, bushfire, then storm and flood, now pandemic - and all in quick succession. This has highlighted how important it is to be prepared for all hazards.

“Our emergency service organisations do an incredible job keeping us safe, but they can only do so much. Being aware and prepared is everyone’s responsibility.”

NSW Small Business Month is dedicated to promoting and celebrating the success of small businesses and recognising the important role they play in the NSW economy and their local communities.

For further information and to download the Get Ready Business toolkit, visit www.resilience.nsw.gov.au/prepare.html.

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Bethany White, Coordinator Communications and Engagement
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