Media release
From the Minister for Small Business
Friday, 24 April, 2009
ONLINE RESOURCE TO ASSIST SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
A world-first online resource has been launched for small business owners diagnosed with a life-
threatening illness.
Small Business Minister Joe Helper said the Brumby Governments Illness and Business
Management Plan
would help business owners plan for the day-to-day running and long-term
future of their business, while they come to terms with the physical, emotional and financial
impact of a serious illness.
The Brumby Government is taking action to support Victorias small business owners through
the launch of this online resource, Mr Helper said.
A diagnosis of a life-threatening illness can come when its least expected, and bring to a head
many issues such as debts, loan repayments and succession planning.
Particularly in the current economic climate, small business owners and those around them
need clear information about how to provide for the contingencies that arise.
The Small Business Victoria Illness and Business Management Plan provides practical support
in the form of information sheets, checklists, contacts and case studies.
The plan guides business owners through questions such as how to inform staff, appointing
Power of Attorney, deciding what to do with the business and accessing support from a range of
organisations.
Mr Helper said small and medium businesses play a crucial role in Victorias economy, which
account for more than 99 per cent of all Victorian businesses and employ nearly one million
people.
Small business owners are busy, capable people at the best of times. However, diagnosis of an
illness can trigger an overwhelming number of questions, tasks and decisions needing
immediate resolution, often before the owner has had time to take in their diagnosis, he said.
Small Business Victoria developed the Illness and Business Management Plan in consultation
with Cancer Council Victoria, Heart Foundation, Chronic Illness Alliance, the Department of
Human Services and many individuals who have faced life-threatening illness.