How they can help you
The Small Business Financial Counselling service will provide small business owners with information, support and advice on managing debt and financial issues, both personal and business-related.
The specialist financial counsellors can offer guidance on complex matters, including:
- understanding the financial position and viability of your business
- managing insurance disputes
- preparing a customised financial counselling plan
- addressing debt management needs and financial issues
- negotiating with lenders and creditors to alleviate financial strain
- information about the insolvency process
- developing strategies to strengthen financial resilience.
The financial counsellors can also provide referrals to other services such as accountancy, legal, insolvency, ATO, ombudsman, mental health and business advisory services.
Support can be provided face-to-face, on the phone or online.
How to access this service
- To access the Small Business Financial Counselling contact one of the service providers below in your local government area:
- If you need assistance, please call the Business Victoria Hotline on 13 22 15 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm).
- If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 or visit tisnational.gov.au.
Community Business Connect
Community Business Connect will support your business if you are in one of the following Local Government Areas:
- Alpine Shire
- Benalla Rural City Council
- Campaspe Shire
- Lake Mountain Alpine Resort
- Mansfield Shire
- Mitchell Shire
- Moira Shire
- Murrindindi Shire
- Strathbogie Shire
- Towong Shire
- Wodonga Shire
Contact the Community Business Connect team today:
Email: help@cbconnect.com.au
Phone: 1300 032 332
Finwell Support
Finwell Support will support your business if you are in one of the following Local Government Areas:
- Ararat Rural City Council
- City of Greater Bendigo
- Corangamite Shire
- Colac Otway Shire Council
- Golden Plains Shire Council
- Horsham Rural City
- Macedon Ranges Shire
- Mildura Rural City
- Mount Alexander Council
- Pyrenees Shire Council
Contact the Finwell Support team today:
Email: enquiry@finwellsupport.com.au
Phone: 1300 735 578
Nex Business Farming Wellness
Nex Business Farming Wellness will support your business if you are in one of the following Local Government Areas:
- East Gippsland Shire Council
- Wellington Shire Council
- Yarra Ranges Shire Council
Contact the Nex Business Farming Wellness team today:
Email: support@nexsolutions.org.au
Phone: 1300 045 747
More information
For further assistance please contact Business Victoria.
You can check your local government area by visiting know your council.
See Business Victoria’s Business Recovery Advisory Service for more information on accessing bushfire recovery support.
This program is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for the Victorian bushfires which commenced on 7 January 2026 (AGRN 1242).