Owners of small and medium-sized businesses across the state are being urged to take part in a series of “climate ready” workshops to protect their small business when extreme weather events cause disruption to trade.
The Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) is facilitating the practical forums to give operators insight and tools to prepare for extreme weather events and the adverse impacts they have on business activity.
Businesses in tourism, hospitality and agriculture are sectors often the hardest hit when severe weather strikes, but climate impacts including building damage, supply chain disruption and staff safety can hit every industry. The workshops will offer advice for both new and established businesses – from sole traders to larger operations - on how to plan ahead, reduce risk and keep trading during disruptions.
Small Business Commissioner and SBDC CEO Saj Abdoolakhan said the sessions are about giving business owners practical tools they can actually use.
“Extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more disruptive, and small businesses are often the ones feeling it first,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.
“This is about helping business owners think ahead—what they can put in place now to protect their business, their staff and their income when something goes wrong.”
Topics will include understanding potential climate impacts for the participant’s region, risk planning specific to their business, identifying adaptation strategies to become more resilient to climate changes and finding opportunities to innovate. Each attendee will walk away with a documented climate adaption plan to help protect their business operations, assets and staff.
The program follows a broader push by the Government of Western Australia to support small businesses as they adapt to a changing climate. Workshop attendees will have the opportunity to apply for future grant funding to put their climate adaption plans into action.
Upcoming workshops across Western Australia been announced, with locations and free registrations available via the SBDC Website.
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