Helpline

1800 413 828

Bushfires

Support is available for small businesses affected by bushfires.

We can help you find and apply for grants, concession loans and bill relief to help your business recover.

We can also help with your insurance – including understanding your policy, making a claim, or dealing with your insurance company.

Finding support for your business

If your business is struggling because of bushfires, you may be eligible for:

  • Recovery grants – state and federal government grants and allowances to help small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profits affected by bushfires.
  • Concessional loans – low-cost loans from the government to help small businesses rebuild after fire.
  • Bill relief – flexible payment plans with utility and service providers – see Paying your bills.
  • Government payments – one-off or ongoing payments to help you out of financial difficulty.

Eligibility, timelines and how to apply depend on where you live and the type of business you run.

We can tell you what support is available now and help you find options for your business.

Before you apply

To get financial support, you’ll need to gather evidence of how your business has been affected. This may include:

  • proof of loss of income
  • photos of the damage to your business premises
  • invoices for repairs
  • written quotes for repairs
  • what is and isn’t covered by your insurance policy.


You might not be eligible for a grant if costs can be covered another way, such as by your insurance.

Get free and confidential advice from a professional financial counsellor.
CALL THE SMALL BUSINESS DEBT HELPLINE TODAY ON 1800 413 828.
The sooner you call, the sooner we can help.

How we can help

Recovering from a bushfire can be overwhelming and it’s hard to know where to start. We can guide you one step at a time.

We can help you:

  • understand your financial situation
  • understand your rights and responsibilities as a small business owner
  • make an insurance claim or deal with your insurance company
  • find support opportunities, such as grants, loans and payments
  • understand eligibility criteria and how to apply
  • prepare for the application process, including gathering documents and filling out forms
  • find emotional and mental health support.


We can also connect you with services that provide support in other ways, such as legal advice, face-to-face financial counselling and emotional support.

Who you'll talk to

When you call us, you’ll speak to a trained financial counsellor who specialises in debt management, negotiating and counselling for small business. Our service is free, independent and confidential.
We’ll give you options, tips and advice to manage your debts and get your finances under control. Find out more About us.

Get help today

We’ve helped hundreds of small business owners just like you. Don’t wait to get help, start taking control of your finances today. 
Call the Small Business Debt Helpline on 1800 413 828.

Don’t wait to get help, start taking control of your finances today.

Call the Small Business Debt Helpline on 1800 413 828

Support Line Hours

  • Mon to Fri: 9am to 5.30pm AEDT

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ABOUT US

  • The Small Business Debt Helpline was set up in 2020 by Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) with funding from the Australian Government. The Helpline was originally established as the Small Business Bushfire Financial Counselling Support Line.