Closing on the 30th June 2015, Chapman Valley farm businesses who are experiencing financial hardship are eligible to receive the FBAS.  It enables the employment of an independent business professional to provide a one off business assessment by providing an initial grant of up to $5,000, plus the ability to apply for a further $5,000 to implement the recommendations of the original assessment.  This can be done while still employing longer term consultant(s).

Previous rules requiring input from a farmer or pastoralist’s bank have been removed to make it easier to apply.  James Hamersley from the Rural Business Development Corporation can be contacted on 1800 198 231.