A small business roundtable in at the Kapunda Football Club has revealed small business owners need support to focus on their core business activities rather than administrative tasks.

Hosted by the Minister for Small and Family Business, the Hon Andrea Michaels, more than 30 local business owners across the Gawler, Barossa and Light regions discussed their current challenges and whether South Australia’s Small Business Strategy 2023-2030 is effectively promoting growth.

Business owners in the region emphasised the strain of compliance issues on their limited staff.

Member for Light, Tony Piccolo MP, attended the roundtable and said the resources of small businesses in rural communities often reflected the performance of the rural industries and activities around them.

“Small business policies need to reflect the context in which the business is operating,” said Mr Piccolo.

“Drought conditions and frosts not only affect the farmers and grape growers, but also the small businesses in the towns who supply them with goods and services.

“The roundtable heard that small businesses in country towns often find it difficult to manage their cashflows when the region is do doing well.”

Business owners at the roundtable also identified support with marketing and sales training would be well received, particularly knowing how to take advantage of the various digital platform.

Mr Piccolo said while it is important to have a presence on the internet, small business investment online marketing is only worthwhile if it leads to an increase in “foot traffic” and sales.

“Some small businesses are finding it difficult to achieve a strong digital presence, because of the way their business is structured,” Mr Piccolo said.

“Knowing and understanding your market and using the right language to reach them is critical.

“Small businesses need a range of supports that are flexible enough to meet the needs of different business in different context.”

Mr Piccolo said the roundtable heard that some small businesses in some industries often suffered from poor perception, with consumer thinking that services are better provided by bigger companies.

“The feedback received from the various roundtables been held in regional areas will inform the review of the State Government’s Small and Family Business Strategy,” Mr Piccolo added.