With the latest COVID-19 outbreak putting many states in Australia into lockdown, it’s more important than ever to support someone close to you who may be showing signs of a mental health condition.

There are signs to look out for and resources available to help you and your colleague tackle these challenges to fully understand and support someone close to you who may be struggling with their mental health.

Glenn Baird, Head of Mental Health at leading life insurer TAL, shares some tips on how you can help someone struggling with a mental health condition.

Treat them with respect and dignity

Treating people living with mental health conditions with respect and dignity can go a long way towards creating healthy and respectful relationships. Being non-judgmental can help break down any stigma or misunderstanding associated with mental health, which is crucial for long-term growth and happiness.

A good place to start is listening. The most important thing to keep in mind when listening is that you shouldn’t be listening to respond. You should be listening to understand. You do this by listening to the content, and the feeling, i.e., what do you pick up that is not being said. Once you begin to understand how your friend/family member is feeling, you’ll be better placed to show empathy and offer support.

Ask them if it’s okay to talk about how they are feeling

Talking about how you feel is a positive step towards improving mental health, but it can take a lot of trust and courage. Despite the prevalence of mental health conditions in Australia, it’s not uncommon for those dealing with mental health conditions to be reluctant to talk about their challenges. 

Start by asking directly, “is it okay if we talk about how you are feeling?” and then you might follow this with “, if now is not a good time, I can check in with you another time?”. If they are okay with talking, you might want to start with an open question, “help me understand how this impacts your day today?”. Let your friend/family member lead the discussion at their own pace, and don’t pressure them to talk about things they’re not ready to share. It’s also important to let them express themselves without you interrupting. Being sensitive and encouraging in your responses will help make them feel comfortable to open up further. It may also be beneficial to avoid problem-solving mode, which has the right intent but can often shut down the conversation rapidly.

Offer pathways of support

Support from family, friends and professionals plays a significant role in the recovery process of someone experiencing mental health issues.

When you are in a place where you understand what your family member is experiencing, and they feel understood, it is worth having further discussion about what additional support may be useful to them. Encouraging someone to look after their physical health by eating right, sleeping well, and regularly exercising are always good places to start. Empowering them to seek professional help is also a healthy step forward if they aren’t already. This could be offering to make an appointment with a GP or mental health specialist and ask if they’d like you to go with them. 

Follow through and follow up

Providing ongoing emotional support and continuity of care can increase the likelihood to recover from a mental health condition. Knowing you are always there for them is crucial in helping them recover.

Admitting that you need support can be one of the hardest steps for a person with a mental health condition. If support offers are made, it is important to follow through with whatever action you have stated you would do. Once this is done, ask them directly, “do you mind if I check in with you again in a few days?”. This way, you are not applying immediate pressure for them to take action. You can keep the dialogue open so they understand they are not tackling their challenges alone.

Supporting someone who experiences a mental health condition isn’t easy, and it can affect your own mental health and wellbeing. It’s important to also look after yourself during this process.

Other resources:

www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 224 636

www.lifeline.org.au131114

Australia is facing one of its toughest challenges in containing the spread of the Covid-19 Delta variant, with thousands of businesses seeing themselves back in lockdown. However, eCommerce business expansion shows no signs of slowing down, presenting an opportune time for SMEs to examine the learnings that helped Aussie SMEs navigate the road to recovery last year. 

ABS data revealed online sales increased by 52.7% in February 2021 and 37.4% in March 2021 compared to the respective months last year*. However, a considerable portion of Aussie SMEs is yet to embrace eCommerce business expansion due to financial barriers**.

The accelerated update of eCommerce as a response to the pandemic offered many businesses the opportunity to tap into global markets and reach new customers. However, part and parcel of this are that many SMEs were required to learn about foreign exchange (FX) on the fly. The reality is that a false step and currency volatility can transform what seems like a great deal into a potential loss.

So whether you’re an eCommerce newbie or looking to expand your current business operations, you will want to limit your exchange rate risk and keep conversion fees to a minimum whenever you are exchanging one currency to another. 

Understanding the role of FX can help you better protect your profit margins against currency risk exposure when dealing in multiple currencies. Currency fluctuations and the strength of local currencies can impact the amount you end up paying when supplier invoices are due. At times, you could be paying more than you originally planned for.

So, how can you ensure you have the appropriate FX safeguards in place when engaging in cross-border trade?

Integrated FX solutions for eCommerce business expansion

If you’re selling on international marketplaces, or collecting and receiving funds from payment gateways, one of the most important factors as an online business is ensuring you don’t get stumped by unnecessary conversion fees. 

Let’s break this down further. Some countries like the US require businesses to have a local bank account to receive funds in the local currency. Without a US-based account, marketplaces and payment gateways can automatically convert your US dollar revenue back into Australian dollars using their own exchange rates. As a result, if you use your Australian bank account, you could pay more in conversion and merchant fees than necessary.

So, whether you’re selling on Amazon, eBay or using payment gateways like Stripe, opening an OFX Global Currency Account can be a great way to bypass merchants double-dipping in currency conversion and merchant fees. 

Financial connectivity when selling globally

We all know as a business owner, you can wear many hats in your business. So it’s no wonder that turning to one institution, like a bank, to conduct all finance and FX related logistics can be very appealing. However, you could be missing out on the more FX specific expertise and tools that an FX specialist, like an OFXpert, can offer to help safeguard your business against exchange rate fluctuations.  

For example, the OFX Currency Exposure calculator reveals that a US20,000 invoice could have cost as much as AU$26,745 and as little as AU$25,439 in the last 3 months – an annual difference of AU$5,224. Having the awareness and education to understand how currency volatility can impact your costs and profit and how to access favourable rates even if the market isn’t in your favour is key. 

When planning and preparing for potential FX risk, it’s worth looking beyond traditional institutions to currency specialists who have the expertise to support you and your business on your global FX journey. Working with an OFXpert can help give you the tools to help take control of your transfers, so you can go back to focusing on what matters most – your business. 

Contributor Bio:

Edward Wiley, Director, Strategic Partnerships – eCommerce, OFX
Ed Wiley has been running the eCommerce partnership arm of OFX since 2016, responsible for driving growth and innovation. He regularly shares his wealth of knowledge in the areas of international payments and eCommerce with sellers and partners around the world. Ed is an annual speaker at conferences such as Retail Global and Online Retailer and a guest speaker on several eCommerce podcasts. By partnering with other leading eCommerce services, Ed is creating educational content and resources to help OFX online sellers take their business global.

Edward.wiley@ofx.com or visit ofx.com

Also, see Small Business Answers Guide to loans and equity funding.

Suppose you are in the market for a video surveillance camera. In that case, there are many to choose from with varying technologies and a range of prices. Refer to our buyers guide to explain the ins and outs of making a decision.

Two of the challenges of investing in a video solution for your business are cost and camera resolution.  Normally the higher the resolution, the higher the cost. Small business Answers has reviewed the ANNKE C500 turret security camera and was pleasantly surprised to find a high-resolution solution at a reasonable price.

This camera has a video resolution of 5MP (2560 X 1920 pixels @15 frames per second). This equates just better than what is commonly referred to as High definition or 2K, which is better quality than you see on a free to air high-definition TV channel like channel 90 in Sydney (9HD). Resolution is important in surveillance, as if you are watching a cash register or trying to identify a number plate, this means you will get a sharp image. Other cameras at this price point offer around half the resolution.

The ANNKE C500 is not Wi-Fi capable, but in this case, it is a good thing as an ethernet connection will mean a reliable quality connection. A 12-volt power supply is required if your network switch is not “PoE”, which means it offers power through the ethernet cable.

The camera is weatherproof thus can be mounted inside or out, and has a tamper-proof design. Remember, you will need to run at least one cable.

A built-in microphone will capture sound up to 9m away, and the camera is OK in low light conditions. Up to a 256GB microSD card can be inserted into the camera, giving you up to 20 days of continuous recording.

SETUP an ANNKE C500

To set the camera up at a minimum, you need to use your PC, which is the cheaper option. Alternatively, you can purchase a Network Video Recorder, which will allow a stand-alone video recording solution, especially if you are using multiple cameras.  We set the camera up on the PC, which needs to be on the same network.  After downloading some software and plug-ins, the camera controls work well via your browser with all the features you would expect, including continuous recording, motion alerts etc.

Those wishing to access the camera on the move can download a free APP so you will never miss an important alert.

Whilst not as flashy as some of the better-known brands in Australia. It certainly offers value for money for a small business wanting an HD resolution camera for their business, and you have intermediate computer knowledge.

The camera can be ordered from the following locations and will set you back around $75-$80 per camera.
Amazon
ANNKE

President of Asia-Pacific at The Access Group, Kerry Agiasotis, has penned an article taking a deep dive into some of the key areas SMBs need to pay special attention to this tax time:

• Asset write off and deductions
• Navigating tax depreciation incentives for businesses
• Tax implications of COVID support including JobKeeper and JobMaker arrangements

The end of financial year is nearly upon us, and after a tumultuous year it should come as no surprise that there are a few extra checks and balances Australian businesses need to be aware of as they lodge this year’s tax return.

The 2021 financial year saw government stimulus packages and tax incentives buoy the economy and help businesses stay afloat amidst the economic uncertainty. These measures were a blessing for businesses around the country. However, with tax time fast approaching its critical for Australian business owners to be across the tax implications of these measures, and how to carefully navigate these to maximise returns while ensuring compliance.

A combination of honest mistakes, poor record keeping, and intentionally misleading behaviour from some operators has led the Australian Tax Office (ATO) to warn of plans to crack down on tax returns following the June 30 deadline.

With heavy policing of claims on the horizon, here are our top tips to help you lodge your return correctly this tax time.

1. Get up to speed with your accountant

For small businesses, especially those still doing it tough, there is a lot to be gained by learning your entitlements and obligations when it comes to claiming tax back on stimulus measures. Following the economic hardship that has affected most Australian businesses, it would be a real shame to see is businesses missing out because they were not aware of what is available to them.

There is no better way to get up to speed on your entitlements and obligations than by leaning on the expertise of an accountant. From talking to our own accounting partners, its clear a huge amount of time has been spent getting up to speed on all the sweeping regulatory changes to provide the best possible counsel to their clients. Following a year like no other, it might be safest to lean on expert counsel.

Tax time conversations with your accountant are therefore a critical opportunity to ask your most pressing questions regarding your business’s financials, your obligations and reporting requirements as you enter the new financial year.

With the ATO promising to keep a close eye on business loss claims and other tax back benefits, it would be prudent to discuss how best to report with your accountant ahead of lodging your return.

2. Tax depreciation incentives

In response to the pandemic, the government introduced various tax depreciation incentives for businesses. These measures – which include instant asset write-offs or ‘temporary full expensing’, the loss carry-back offset, and the backing business investment – can go a long way to help businesses offset losses and save money.

Instant asset write-offs, sometimes referred to as ‘temporary full expensing’ allow businesses with an annual turnover of less than $5 billion to fully write off the value of eligible depreciating assets such as office equipment and business vehicles. It can be used for multiple assets (if the cost of each individual asset is less than the relevant threshold) as well as new and second-hand assets.

Something else to keep in mind as we head into the new financial year is that the ATO has granted a 12-month extension to the instant asset write-off scheme until 30 June 2023.

There are strict rules in place outlining those assets eligible for this scheme, and small businesses wanting to apply should be discussing the available options with their accountant ahead of lodging their return.

3. Declaring JobKeeper payments at tax time

The introduction of JobKeeper has been a lifeline for many struggling businesses across the country. Businesses need to be aware that JobKeeper payments are taxable and must be included in their tax return.

Businesses should seek guidance from their accountants to ensure they are properly declaring their JobKeeper payments, to avoid underreporting income and possibly incurring penalties. To help businesses stay compliant with these requirements, the ATO will be taking several proactive steps over the coming weeks.

These include reaching out to JobKeeper recipients to inform them of the total amount of payments their entity received in the last financial year, as well as where to report these in their tax return.  In addition, the ATO will prefill JobKeeper data into tax returns to help prevent underreporting.

It is then up to businesses to work with their accountants to review this and include the total JobKeeper amount with the business income when completing the income tax return.

A solid foundation for FY21-22 and beyond

Tax time conversations are not just important for tax claim purposes. They are also one of the best opportunities for small businesses to ask their most pressing questions and put new tools and measures in place to set themselves up for success in the next financial year.

Advanced technologies including open cloud platforms with automated workflows and analytics can take the headache out of tax time and help keep you keep on top of your new obligations and reporting requirements.

While there may be lingering uncertainty around COVID-19, one thing is certain as we head into the new year. That is, those who take advantage of their accountants’ expertise and invest in the right solutions to keep their bookkeeping on track, will be sure to reap the benefits through June 30 and beyond.   

Also see Small Business Answers guide to Tax Returns.

Small business operators – those with workforces of 19 staff or less – account for 97% of all businesses in the Australian economy as of June 2020 (ABS data), As diverse as these smaller employers are, Xref’s suite of technology platforms and its various reference/ID check-related services can help most of these operators expedite their labour hire tasks.

Xref does more than just help small businesses work through the process of finding potential candidates then and verifying their resumes. It also provides these employers with the means to digitise recruitment process outsourcing tasks, which reduce manual admin and enhances speed and consistency of delivery of these necessary all too often arduous HR functions.

Importantly, Xref’s technology platforms do not just help the end employer. They also benefit intermediaries in the labour hire process. Small job recruitment agencies can use Xref to more quickly and confidently find and place high-quality candidates. Xref gives these job agencies a competitive edge in a sector that is notoriously low margin.

The services Xref provide to Australian small business operators are delivered via a number of platforms. The Company’s Reference Checking platform materially reduces the cost and time expended checking the veracity of resumes. Using this platform, Xref clients can potentially submit their employment reference checking request in less than 30 seconds and let automation do the rest.

Xref also has a background and ID Checks technology platform, which performs the employee background checking and ID verification functions needed to help protect the reputation and brand of a small business. It gives clients extra confidence that the new employee they are about to onboard does indeed have the requisite qualifications.

Of course, small businesses operate in all sectors of the Australian economy and each has specific requirements that require tailored analytics and security/compliance checks. The insights deemed crucial to a small business in the retail or hospitality sector are not the same as those operating in the health/aged care sector or running a transport group. Xref has technology platforms that can meet these needs, helping small business owners get the right employee for the job on offer.

Also see Small Business Answers guide to hiring.

Small businesses will get faster access to cash flow through flexible credit based on their unpaid customer invoices, with the launch of CBA’s Stream Working Capital – a fully digitised working capital solution.

Group Executive of CBA Business Banking, Mike Vacy-Lyle, said: “Cash flow is one of the key issues facing small businesses, so we have been looking at how we can support customer’s working capital requirements helping them maximise cash flow and drive business growth.”

“While small businesses traditionally use fixed assets such as property to secure an overdraft or loan, we have developed Stream Working Capital which will allow customers to access funds by using their outstanding invoices as loan security. The loan size reduces automatically as invoices are paid so customers never pay for credit limits they don’t need.”

In a first for a major Australian bank and in partnership with innovative lending platform Waddle, Stream Working Capital will use the latest digital technology and a live feed of customer data via cloud accounting software such as Xero, to underpin a business customer’s working capital needs.

Stream Working Capital offers businesses improved cash flow and is accessible 24 hours a day. It also allows for access to larger and more flexible financing as the business grows, as well as reducing manual processes by up to 80 per cent. This means less hassle for business owners and faster credit decisions, with time from application to funding just 72 hours – down from a typical industry standard of weeks.

On a global scale, receivables funding solutions in Australia lags behind Europe and the United States. This means there is currently untapped potential to deliver billions of dollars of additional funding to Australian businesses.

Executive General Manager, Business Lending, Clare Morgan said: “Having access to cash flow is vital for every Australian business, whether they are a sole trader or one of Australia’s largest companies. We want to simplify the working capital process, especially for small business. This new digital solution means businesses can get faster access to cash flow to cover short-term operational needs and be better placed to leverage fixed assets for longer term strategic goals and investments.

“We’ve heard from our customers that they want to be able to hold more inventory and build relationships with more suppliers to mitigate supply disruption. They also face increasing pressure from suppliers wanting to be paid earlier and buyers wanting to extend payment terms.

“Using invoices to access credit addresses this issue and can provide some peace of mind for businesses who can now access cash locked up in their invoices to be able to pay suppliers or hire employees. It’s an essential part of helping small businesses recover and grow as they continue to navigate a new operating environment during the pandemic.”

Founder and director of Waddle, Simon Creighton, said: “We’re delighted to partner with CBA to make it easier for small businesses to access capital. We’re passionate about supporting small businesses to grow.  We see this as alleviating processes that take time – like automating much of the finance process like credit assessment, underwriting and monitoring. It also gives small businesses the ability to better manage cash flow, which is critical in today’s environment, and this partnership will provide the flexibility and support they need.”

Credit limits will be tailored to the business and will rise and fall in real time based on the value of current outstanding invoices. The more customer invoices nominated, the higher the available limit. Businesses will not have to pay an establishment fee and can use as much or as little as they need. Interest will only be paid on the amount businesses draw down, with interest calculated daily on the outstanding balance.

From today onwards, select eligible small business customers will be able to access Stream Working Capital, with the product set to be available more broadly within the next six months. For more information or to register your interest, visit commbank.com.au/streamworkingcapital. 

Also read Small Business Answers guide on loans and equity funding
For more information on customer invoices see our guide on how to invoice

D-Link A/NZ has launched four new high-performance Nuclias Cloud-Managed Wi-Fi 6 Indoor and Wi-Fi 5 Wave 2 Outdoor Access Points, enhancing Managed Service Providers’ device offerings built upon the Nuclias Cloud Network Management platform. With the latest in Wi-Fi technology combined with the unparalleled visibility and manageability that the Nuclias Cloud platform provides, MSP’s and end-users alike can now enhance their offering and their Wi-Fi networks with these new additions to the Nuclias Cloud device range.

Nuclias Cloud makes all aspects of network management easy through a highly powerful centralised system. Tasks such as segmenting the network, managing multiple devices simultaneously, enforcing security policies and monitoring live network statistics remotely can be done anytime, anywhere, across single or multiple sites.

DBA-X2830P

The DBA-X2830P is empowered with next generation Wi-Fi 6. Enhanced MU-MIMO with even more uplink and downlink streams serves more devices simultaneously. OFDMA dramatically increases transmission efficiency and 1024-QAM packs even more data, bringing unadulterated speed increases of a searing 25%.

Wi-Fi 6 leverages all these features and more to create Wi-Fi with unparalleled performance.

The DBA-X2830P Nuclias Cloud-Managed Access Point is deployed as a pre-managed, zero-configuration Access Point. No need to send out your most experienced engineer for every installation. With Nuclias’ Zero-Touch Deployment, you can power-up the Access Points on site, plug them in, and remotely set up and manage them through Nuclias Cloud.

The DBA-X1230P is fully prepared to handle all day-to-day demands of SMBs. Equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and turbocharged speeds, plenty of bandwidth and simple central management make it the ultimate booster in productivity.

DBA-X1230P

The DBA-X1230P also enjoys the power and functionality of D-Link Beamforming Technology, OFDMA, the latest 802.11ax MU-MIMO technology with two spatial streams and 1800Mbps combined throughput enabling it to click through congestion offering all users a better Wi-Fi experience and making it ideal for busy offices or places with users often on the move.

The DBA-X1230P’s Power over Ethernet functionality allows for easy installation and a simple, clean setup. No need to run extra power lines, no added hassle when configuring your wiring and no more cable clutter makes it perfect for advanced installations in areas where power outlets are not readily available.

Busy businesses need exceptional connectivity outside as well as in, and often in harsh conditions. The DBA-3621P is built with that in mind, with an IP67-rated water and dust resistant housing designed to keep your Wi-Fi working, no matter the conditions. Packed with connectivity features to keep data flowing fast — up to a soaring 1267Mbps — even at the busiest of times.

DBA-3621P

The DBA-3621P Nuclias Cloud-Managed Wave 2 Access Point is also deployed as a pre-managed, zero-configuration Access Point, enjoys complete control when combined with the Nuclias Cloud management platform and the DBA-3621P’s Power over Ethernet (PoE) support allows for easy installation and a simple, clean setup.

The DBA-3620P is a Nuclias Cloud Managed AC1300 Wave 2 Outdoor Access Point that is deployed as a pre-managed, zero-configuration Access Point also controlled through Nuclias Cloud. This new Access Point comes in a robust IP55 rated housing that easily enables it to be installed outdoors.

DBA-3620P

The DBA-3620P easily expands a business’ wireless range and coverage for outdoor applications especially highly dense environments, such as universities or luxury hotels. The Access Point also features convenient remote deployment, system configuration, and ongoing site analytics via the compatible Nuclias Cloud app.

Availability and pricing

The new Nuclias Cloud Managed Access Points are available now from www.dlink.com.au, and from all authorised D-Link partners for the following RRP:

DBA-X2830P – AUD$1249.95
DBA-X1230P – AUD$629.95
DBA-3621P – AUD$949.95
DBA-3620P – AUD$499.95

Small Business Answers have a guide on improving your Wi-Fi.

• Top sacrifices made by small businesses include reducing the number of takeaways (62%), dipping into savings (60%) and cutting back on key grocery items (50%)
• 5.4 – the astounding average equivalent job roles a small business owner completes themselves
• Almost half (45%) of small business owners identify as SOOs (Sole Owner Operators)
• 71% believe their sacrifices have been worth it or will pay off in the long run

More than 1.1 million Australian small business owners have made significant sacrifices in the past year to keep their business afloat. Cutting back on small pleasures like takeaway (62%), dipping into hard-earned savings (60%) and scrimping to reduce utility bills (48%) are all steps these small business owners have taken in the past year to keep their dreams alive. Commissioned by Vistaprint, the national survey delves into the reality of life on the hustle during the tough pandemic year and shows that while the majority of small business champions have been doing it tough, most (71%) believe the personal sacrifices made have been worth it or will pay off in the long run. 

According to the research, around two in five (38%) small business owners who have made significant sacrifices have taken on additional work. In comparison, one in five (18%) borrowed a significant amount of money from a friend or family member. In addition, some small business owners have made significant life choices by re-mortgaging their house (5%) or putting off having kids (5%).

Speaking about the Vistaprint Small Business Recovery Report, TV presenter, author and small business founder of SWIISH, Sally Obermeder, said: “The past 12 months have been like no other for small business owners Australia-wide, and Vistaprint’s research certainly reveals the grit, determination and support entrepreneurs need to thrive. It’s great to see also that in spite of all the challenges these COVID-19 times have thrown at us, more than half (52%) of entrepreneurs would still encourage other aspiring business owners to give it a crack. 

“Personally, I’ve had to rapidly adapt and alter several aspects of my own business in order to keep it moving forward, and essentially be ready for anything – wearing lots of hats and staying nimble. 

“Vistaprint’s report shows that small business owners are now regularly fulfilling 5.4 job roles to drive forward their company – from Customer Service and Sales, to Finance Management, Planning & Strategy and Marketing. And over a third (38%) have upskilled to keep their business going. This is certainly something I can relate to, but I’ve learned it’s also important to seek support where you have skill-set gaps and work with partners to achieve your potential.”

Almost half (45%) of small business owners surveyed identified as “SOOs”, a new term coined for sole owner operators. Another popular term was Owntrepreneur (30%), a hybrid term which lends itself to the responsibility, flexibility and all-encompassing nature of being a small business owner.

With a third (32%) of respondents highlighting marketing as one of their biggest challenges in the past year, a third (33%) noting financial support as a main struggle, and one in 10 (10%) calling out design as their key pain point, Vistaprint is launching 99 days of design – a global initiative to empower 99 small businesses around the world with financial support and refreshed design identities on the heels of a challenging year. 

Within Australia, six businesses will be selected to each receive a refreshed brand identity and marketing materials, as well as a $15,000 AUD financial donation to help their business be ready for anything during this unprecedented time of change.

“We know how powerful great design can be in fueling success for small business owners but our research shows it is often an area small Aussie businesses struggle with,” Vistaprint Australia CEO Marcus Marchant said. “Matching entrepreneurs with the right creative talent is where the magic happens when it comes to building a brand and growing a business. Through 99 days of design, we’re excited to support businesses in this space and help them on their road to recovery, sharing these stories of global creative connection and collaboration with the world.”

Small business nominations will be open from 15th June and close at midnight (AEST) on 25th June 2021. A panel including Vistaprint CEO Marcus Marchant, 99designs by Vistaprint CEO Patrick Llewellyn, alongside entrepreneurs Twice Blessed and artist Rachael Sarra will help select the six successful businesses. Those wanting to get involved can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else via vistaprint.com.au/mlp/99-days-of-design.

Top 10 Sacrifices made by small business owners who made sacrifices in the past year:

1. Cut back on dining out/buying takeaway food and coffees (62%)
2. Dipped in Savings (60%)
3. Cut back or stopped buying expensive snacks and drinks in our grocery shopping (50%)
4. Made a conscious effort to reduce use of electricity/gas to save on utility bills (e.g. used appliances during off-peak times, reduced/stopped using heater/air-conditioner/clothes dryer) (48%)
5. Gave up entertainment and shopping subscriptions (40%)
6. Taken on additional work (38%)
7. Started making meal plans and changing the way we shop for food to reduce food wastage (38%)
8. Borrowed a significant amount of money from a friend or family member (18%)
9. Gave no Christmas or Birthday presents to whole year (16%)
10. Put off wedding, large birthday party or similar big event (14%)

Canon Oceania is today opening submissions for its 2021 Grants Program for small business. As the ramifications of COVID-19 continue to impact Australian businesses, Canon’s Grants Program includes a small business category and increased cash donations for the second year running.  

In the spirit of our guiding philosophy of Kyosei – which means living and working together for the common good. Over the last 15 years, Canon Oceania has supported more than 75 schools, not-for-profits and community groups with more than $420,000. 

“Australian communities and organisations have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. As the JobKeeper program has drawn to a close, it’s important for us to get behind small businesses and support their shift from survival to recovery mode,” said Akira ‘Dave’ Yoshida, Managing Director, Canon Oceania.  

“Last year, we extended our Grants Program to include small businesses for the first time, and we were thrilled to see the positive impact this delivered. Looking ahead, it’s imperative that small businesses not only adjust to the ‘new normal’ but are set up for success in the future. We’re committed to helping our local business community navigate a COVID-19 world.” 

That’s why Canon is once again including a Small Business category in its Grants Program.  

Winners will also be selected from two additional categories: Community, which is open to organisations ranging from not-for-profits to grassroots groups and environmental causes, and Education, which is available to schools and other educational centres for children and adults alike. Winners will be selected based on the strength of their initiative and the impact it will have on their community or business.  

Each Grant recipient will receive $5,000 in cash and Canon products, ranging from cameras and printers to projectors and other accessories. This year the value of the Grants will be equally divided between cash and equipment – $2,500 each – reflecting organisations’ greater need for cash to help rebuild themselves in a weaker economy (where the split before 2020 was $1,000 in cash and $4,000 in products).  

Mr Yoshida continued: “At Canon, we believe the Kyosei philosophy is something we live and breathe every day, so we’re pleased to continue supporting small businesses as they take the important next steps towards recovery.” 

The winner of the 2020 Small Business Grant was Dogs for Kids with Disabilities, an organisation that raises and trains assistance and therapy dogs for children whose everyday activities are restricted by emotional, physical and intellectual challenges. They used their prizes from the Grant to create videos that drive awareness of their work among the wider community. This awareness has been imperative in helping Dogs for Kids secure sponsors so that they have the means to continue their important work for children with disabilities.  

“The Canon equipment has been wonderful in enabling us to create educational videos to promote the work of our amazing volunteers, staff, families and of course, our incredible dogs,” said Tracey Harris, Chair and Board Member.    

“Educating the community and attracting new sponsors has been critical during the lockdown period. At the same time, it’s been very rewarding to connect with our community through the love of assistance dogs. For any small business in need of support – big or small – I encourage you to apply for Canon Oceania Grants.” 

Telethon Speech and Hearing, an independent school offering therapy services for children with hearing loss and speech delays, was another worthy 2020 winner. Their Grant was used to develop a ‘mobile pack’ to facilitate teletherapy sessions. 

“During lockdown, the prize money and cameras from the Canon Grant allowed us to facilitate online delivery of high-quality learning to families in remote Western Australia,” said Mark Fitzpatrick, CEO.  

“A highlight has been providing children in our Chatterbox Program (aged 0-5) and their families with access to specialised teachers, regardless of their location. Thanks to Canon, we’ve been able to conduct virtual intervention, ensuring that distance isn’t a barrier to quality support for children in the early years of development.” 

Furthermore, the winner of the 2020 Community Grant, Action for Dolphins, is working to stop cruelty and gain legal protection for dolphins. The organisation is using equipment supplied by the Grant for everything from recording evidence of animals trapped in underwater nets to capturing interviews with experts. 

“We were lucky enough to receive the Canon Grant which enabled us to create a video warning against illegal handfeeding of Dolphins on North Stradbroke Island,” said Hannah Tait, CEO.  

“The video was displayed on the ferry to the island, educating visitors as well as our local community about how to end activities that harm marine life.”  

The 2021 Grants will be awarded under the following categories: 

• 1 x Small Business Grant – AU$5,000 
  Open to any for-profit entity that employs fewer than 20 people and have less than AUD 10 million aggregated turnover (according to ABS and ATO guidelines). 
• 1 x Community Grant – AU$5,000 
  Open to a range of organisations keeping their community at the heart of what they do, ranging from not-for-profits, to grassroots groups and environmental causes. 
• 1 x Education Grant – AU$5,000 
  Open to schools and other educational centres for children and adults alike. 
• 1 x Runner-up Grant – AU$1,000  
  A runner up will be selected from any of the categories above. 

Submissions are now open until Friday 30^th July. The wider community will vote on finalists in August, and winners will be announced in September. Mark your diaries!  

More information can be found in Small Business Answers guide to grants