Support for local small businesses and clubs

26 March 2020

Important social distancing measures being put in place by the Commonwealth and State Governments are vitally important to slow the Coronavirus (COVID-19) down and protect our community. These measures will have significant economic and social effects on both our local small businesses and community clubs.

To support the more than 22,000 businesses in Stirling, of which 98 per cent are small businesses (less than 20 employees) the City is:

  • Partnering with Business Foundations to provide tailored one-on-one advice on business continuity planning, identifying and reducing financial pressures, and implementing immediate business strategies
  • Implementing a dedicated Small Business Information Hotline (08) 9205 8904 to provide businesses with advice and assistance, available from Monday 30 March
  • Removing the fee for verge permits and reducing the amount of money tied up in verge bonds by up to $1,000. Existing verge bonds will also be refunded by up to $1,000 to allow more cash flow
  • Providing rent reduction and rent deferral for commercial lessees in City owned buildings negatively impacted by social distancing measures
  • Temporarily ceasing collection on businesses with rate payment plans in place and removing interest charges.

“We are there for local businesses and have formed a taskforce to respond to emerging small business pressures and provide much-needed support over the next six months,” Mayor Irwin said.

To support the more than 400 community clubs throughout Stirling the City is:

  • Partnering with Sport West and independent financial agencies to provide tailored one-on-one advice and support to those sporting clubs facing significant financial uncertainty
  • Reducing or removing lease/license fees for clubs in City owned buildings and providing tangible advice on reducing outgoings during this period
  • Providing direct governance and management support for those sporting clubs whose ongoing viability may be jeopardy after the COVID-19 crisis.

“Sporting clubs are the lifeblood of our community. Not only does the City need to support them through this challenging time we need to ensure they are viable to help rebuild our community when the current crisis is over,” Mayor Mark Irwin said.

Social Media Share this articleLinks below open in a new window

Back to news