Support local on National Family Business Day: Ombudsman  

THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell said family businesses have been hit hard by the COVID crisis, encouraging everyone to buy local this National Family Business Day (Friday, September 18).

Speaking in a Family Business Australia video marking the day, Ms Carnell said the family business sector needed to be supported as it emerges from this difficult period. 

“National Family Business Day is usually a day to celebrate, but 2020 is a year like no other,” Ms Carnell said.

“Times are incredibly tough and so many family businesses that were viable this time last year are now facing enormous challenges after a devastating bushfire season followed by a global pandemic.

“Family businesses in Victoria continue to struggle with ongoing heavy restrictions.

“The best way you can support family businesses is to spend locally – whether that’s at a mum-and-dad owned bricks and mortar store such as the town butcher or by shopping online via social media campaigns such as ‘Click for Vic,’ 'Buy From the Bush', 'Empty Esky', 'Spend With Them' and 'Stay with Them' – to name a few.

“Family businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and key contributors to our economy – accounting for up to 70 percent of Australian businesses and employing as much as half of the workforce.

“Their survival is critical to our broader economic recovery," Ms Carnell said.

“That’s why my office has produced a comprehensive COVID-19 Recovery Plan recommending a suite of reforms to help small and family businesses survive and thrive.

“The recommendations cover a broad range of areas including taxation, access to justice, industrial relations, government procurement and cutting red tape.”

Ms Carnell said her office was also excited to be working in partnership with Family Business Australia to produce a guide to succession planning.

“Succession planning is a key issue for family businesses and this guide will provide a step-by-step process to ensure the next generation are ready to take the reins when the time is right,” she said.

Read family business stories here and see Kate Carnell’s National Family Business Day video here.

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