Helping businesses in VIC?

[KarenC]

I just spoke to Couriers Please re helping transport ...
please see other post Couriers Please is transporting items free to RC

[Heidi Price]

Thanks Karen

[Lisa Murray - Biz Coach]

I too would like to help. I wonder if there are local business organisations (or councils) which would be able to coordinate some of our support so that it goes where it is most needed? I realise these may also be in some disarray, but as others have noted, there is no urgency just yet. Or maybe when things settle Flying Solo could contact local media and ask for people who need help to come forward?

I am sure as things settle down simpler solutions will present themselves.
Lisa

[ActiveCounselling]

Excellent topic.

I would be very keen to participate in anyway that doesn't take business away from businesses in the community.

I think people such as myself can contribute by helping these guys when they get to the point of rebuilding. Goal setting, planning, bouncing ideas around etc.. After a tragedy such as this many of the people maybe reviewing why they are in business, what their life goals are etc. All of us counsellors, coaches etc on FS can help with that process in ways that normally counsellors may not have the skills needed. The counsellors on the ground in general have excellant skills for short term trauma work and I having nothing but respect for them, but supporting someone rebuilding a small business may not be their specialty.

Was thinking also that a work referal system could work where for example if your a graphic designer with too much work you could refer overflow to someone rebuilding their business.

The above is just a brainstorm. Hopefully someone combines all our ideas together and comes up with a good idea.

In the short term keep the donations going and make sure you talk about it with your friends and family as it may motivate them to contribute if they haven't already.

[sam_leader]

Hi all,

In our meeting last week, we discussed ways Flying Solo could help support those affected by the bushfires.

We want to get behind a bigger, structured initiative rather than start one ourselves, so we got in touch with our friends at Small Business Victoria to pledge our support on behalf of the FS community.

Happily, they have told us they are going to start a business support matching service - perfect!

If you are interested in supporting a business please get in touch with the matching service via this form.

We are also going to promote this service through our home page's leader column.

We look forward to the stories of this forum's community members helping those in need.

Sam

[Business Vic]

Hi all,

It's great to see so many businesses wanting to support other business owners.

We have had similar requests on our Business Victoria phone line which is why we've built this Business supporting businesses form:
http://www.business.vic.gov.au/BUSVI.../PC_63279.html

If you'd like to donate (we're looking for services in particular) then we're able to match you up with the business who would benefit most from the assistance you are offering. It's not only the businesses who have lost their office/work space who have been affected by the tragedy of the bushfires but also businesses who have lost their customer base.