IT IS often said the hardest part of asking for help is taking that first step to do so.
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However, small to medium businesses and farmers in the MIA can be rest assured once they have taken that initial step, they will be in good hands.
Leeton's Court Sayer-Roberts and Sarah Diggelmann are two people who are offering more than just kinds, but real expertise for those seeking a helping hand with their business, or are just seeking advice for the future.
Mr Sayer-Roberts is a business coach with the REWiRE program as part of the Rural Financial Counselling Service, while Mrs Diggelmann is a rural financial counsellor with the initiative.
She can help people to understand their financial position and the viability of their enterprise as well as developing and implementing plans to improve a financial situation.
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Importantly, the services they provide are free and now they are also right at the community's fingertips having opened an office in Leeton's main street inside the former St George Bank building.
The Rural Financial Counselling Service's REWiRE project works with communities to help people in rural and regional small business be prepared, responsive and empowered.
The program is a free service supported by professional coaches with access to $5000 to use towards professional services to realign and reset business goals.
"We're trying to raise awareness of both programs and both services," Mr Sayer-Roberts said.
"We want businesses here in the area to come and see us. It's not just about when times are tough, but making plans before it's too late. There's so many services we can provide here and the best part is it's all free.
"Everything is kept confidential. What it comes down to is that we are here to help."
Mrs Diggelmann comes from a banking background, meaning those on a property who are looking for advice when it comes to things such as succession planning, cashflow plans and the like will have come to the right place when seeking her help.
She's also happy to go out on farm to discuss issues and help growers realise the importance of treating what they do as a business. With so many services on offer the first step is to reach out.
"We can help with cashflow budgets, business plans ... making sure we are touching base with people in financial hardship," Mrs Diggelmann said.
"We've got a really good network of people that we know, we also would never turn everyone away."
Pop in and see the team in their Pine Avenue office, email court@rfcsnsw.com.au or sarah@rfcsnsw.com.au or call Mr Sayer-Roberts on 0428 073 360 or Mrs Diggelmann on 0447 479 694.