Boost your cash flow

Your business’ recovery may depend on how much cash you have available. Fortunately, there are a range of options available to increase your cash flow.

Seek financial advice and counselling

Seek professional advice on how to improve your finances and the best ways to get your business back on its feet.

Make an insurance claim

Make a claim as soon as possible, so the insurance company can process it quickly. If you aren’t the only person affected, expect additional delays as your insurance company processes numerous claims.

Talk to your creditors

Explain your current financial situation to your creditors. Your bank or building society may agree to freeze your loan or offer you an interest only arrangement until you’re able to recover.

Talk to government agencies

Talk to the government agencies you deal with to arrange financial relief during an extended emergency or period of hardship. Many currently have arrangements in place for businesses in fire, flood and cyclone affected areas, and may provide a deferment of payment or extension for an application.

Apply for government funding

Government funding is available to help in times of need. There is a range of government assistance available for floods, fires, drought and a number of other natural disasters.

Seek non-government funding or donations

In the event of a disaster many charities receive generous donations to help the community get back on its feet. Talk to your local charity organisations for more details.

Chase up your debtors

Contact as many debtors as you can and explain your current financial situation. Chase up as many outstanding payments as you can.

Research alternative finance options

Talk to your financial institution for any possible short-term finance options.

Self-fund your recovery

See if there any assets you’re able to sell quickly. Find any cash reserves or possible investors willing to fund your recovery.

Beware of scams

Often in times of crisis there are some individuals that try to take advantage of those that are most vulnerable. Be aware that this could happen to your business and take steps to stay informed about current scams in Australia.

What to do...

A list of free Financial counselling services is available on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) MoneySmart website.
Financial counselling services are also available for people affected in rural areas through the Rural Financial Counselling Service . Counsellors can visit farms or businesses to provide free financial counselling and help you get back on your feet.
For tips on dealing with insurance after a disaster visit the Disaster Assist website.
Talk to the Financial Ombudsman Service if there is a dispute about your insurance claim.
Contact your credit provider to find out whether you may be eligible to claim a hardship variation for your loans or business credit card repayments.
Contact the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) dedicated emergency support information line on 1800 806 218 about deferment of outstanding taxes or help with reconstructing your tax records.
Speak to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) if you’re a company and having difficulties with lodgements, notifications, and payment of fees. You can also speak to ASIC if your company records have been lost or damaged. Contact ASIC on 1300 300 630 or through the ASIC website.
Contact AusIndustry through the Small Business Support Line on 1800 777 275 if you’re experiencing difficulties with your project or contract.
Contact your local state revenue office for possible relief from state taxes.
Contact your local council if you’re having difficulty paying local registrations and levies. For council contact details, search our Directory of government & business associations.
Call the Small Business Support Line on 1800 777 275 to access information, assistance and referral services for available grants and assistance.
Visit our Emergency relief for disaster affected businesses page for specific disaster related programs or search our Grants & Assistance Finder.
A number of banks in Queensland have implemented relief packages for customers affected by the flood disaster. Visit the Financial Ombudsman Service website to read a summary of the relief available.
To protect your business, visit the SCAMwatch website and learn how to protect yourself .
Download our Emergency management & recovery plan template (Word, 0.52MB) for a cash flow template.

More information...

For general tips on managing financial distress following natural disasters , visit the Disaster Assist website.
For information on what to do about insurance after a flood, visit the ASIC MoneySmart website.
Visit the ATO page Guide to dealing with disasters for more information on how to receive help with your tax affairs.