Joint media release Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education and Senator for Western Australia, and The Hon Christian Porter MP, Member for Pearce

The Liberal National Government is raising small business awareness of the range of incentives, funding and programs available to support them with the launch of its national Small Business Fairs.

Federal Member for Pearce, Christian Porter, will open a Small Business Fair in the Pearce electorate on Wednesday 6 February.

The Small Business Fairs will help existing businesses tap into timesaving incentives and Federal Government initiatives, as well as give those looking to start their own small business a chance to talk to government representatives and officials from agencies including the Department of Jobs and Small Business.

Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education, Senator Michaelia Cash, said the Liberal National Government is investing in Australia’s small businesses to foster an environment of confidence, increased investment, economic growth and employment.

“The Government understands that when businesses grow, they create more jobs. We also understand the daily challenges of running a small business, so the Government has a number of programs to make it easier for Australian small business owners to get on with the job,” Minister Cash said.

“Over the last 12 months we have delivered on tax relief, extended the instant asset write-off for assets costing less than $20,000 to 30 June 2019, made it easier for small business to access finance with the $2 billion securitisation fund, slashed red tape and streamlined GST reporting so businesses can easily and quickly lodge their business activity statements online.

“The Liberal National Government is also helping improve cash flow by committing to pay Government contracts up to $1 million in 20 days, requiring large businesses tendering for Government contracts to match the Government’s 20-day payment terms and has launched the Future Female Entrepreneurs Program focused on engaging 55,000 women and girls, particularly in rural and regional communities.”

Mr Porter said there were over 11,000 small and family businesses in the Pearce electorate, so it was important to provide support to help foster growth within the community.

"Small business is the lifeblood of our communities, our industry and our economy. Our local small businesses are working 24/7 and don’t have time to come to us, so we are going to them,” Mr Porter said.

“Whether you’re in retail, hospitality, agriculture, trades and services, the Small Business Fair is an excellent opportunity for business owners, or those looking to get into small business, to know what support and initiatives out there for you to do what you do best – create more local jobs.”

The Small Business Fair will be held at The Novotel Vines Resort, Verdelho Drive, The Vines on Wednesday, 6 February 2019.

For further information or to register your attendance visit http://smallbusinessfair.jobs.gov.au.