The service received state government funding earlier this year, which has allowed it to now provide a new small business service.

Wimmera-South West Rural Financial Counselling Service chief executive David Stafford said the service was needed in the region.

“It’s now up and running and we have a couple of people on the ground to assist anyone facing financial hardship,” he said.

“This is a great service and one we’ve identified the need for. I’m glad we can finally offer it.”

Mr Stafford said drought affected the whole community, not just farmers.

“When people are struggling on the farm, they will stop discretionary spending,” he said. “This has a direct effect on businesses in the region.”

Mr Stafford said feedback so far about the service had been positive.

“We’ve had lots of discussions with Wimmera councils and the feedback has been fantastic,” he said.

“We can try to help business owners re-forecast and put into place mitigation strategies to combat the downside of decreased spending.

“We can help businesses be ready for when things do turn around.

“All people have to do is have a conversation with us about whether they are eligible and we are happy to have those conversations anywhere – we can come to the business premises if needed.”

Business Horsham executive administrator Wendy Mitchell said small businesses were often overlooked for drought assistance.

“Our agricultural sector is about five times larger than our small business sector so it stands to reason that the effects of drought or a prolonged dry season will affect businesses,” she said.

“Small businesses contribute substantially to our economies and is one of the biggest employers in our country.

“Small businesses however get very little assistance when it comes to tough economic times so this news that Rural Financial Counselling Service has been funded to assist our small businesses is indeed very welcome.”

Mrs Mitchell said Wimmera businesses would gain from this support.

“The service is free and confidential and will help businesses look into their financial health,” she said.