We speak to Kirsty Packer, Head of Investment (WA) at the UK Department for International Trade and Head of Office at the British Consulate in Perth about their initiatives for local businesses who are keen to enter the UK market. Whether you are a start up or a seasoned business operator with intentions to grow into new markets - have a listen as to what support is available for you. Further details on the initiatives can be found here.

We speak to Peter Jeffrey of Grantguru about the new City of Canning Grants Centre. Having worked and engaged in all aspects of the Grants process from being a funder to seeking funding, Peter provides his insight into the Grants Centre and its various tools, as well as some top tips to ensuring your funding application is given the best chance for success. Have a look at the new Grants Centre here.

We speak to Greg Riebe - the godfather of the startup ecosystem in Perth. Greg wears many hats as a business mentor, angel investor and facilitator of international trade. Greg will be sharing some of his thoughts on the ‘new normal’ that is before us, what it means for business and international trade. He also talks about his SME Surge program, of which details can be found here.

We speak to Grace Mugabe of Finacially Empowered, a qualified CPA Accountant with a passion for improving financial literacy in women and the multicultural community. Grace will be sharing some financial tips and resources that will assist small businesses in the midst of this crisis. The Financially Empowered Financial Action Plan can be found here and the Small Business Development Corporation's contact details are 133 140 or visit their website to have an online chat here.

We speak to Tracey McGrath, a qualified psychologist specialising in workplace effectiveness who provide guidance on how we can work towards undertaking helpful actions amid uncertain times. Tracey details the range of emotions that we all experience as part of the shock from COVID-19, giving clarity and understanding of our very human response. As a follow up to this podcast, there will be a webinar for businesses to share their own strategies and actions, with registration available through this link:  https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJQpc-uprz4j0SlJ9WA8obrJXLLlA-gVdA

We speak to Lisa Smith and Vicki Hodgson, Directors of Blow Your Own Mind who share their innovative solution for businesses in a cash flow crunch - bswapshop. A free platform for business to use, Lisa and Vicki detail the simple steps business can take to get up and going, whilst sharing some of the great businesses & offers that are on the platform already. Business should note that there are potential tax liabilities from using this service and we recommend that all business owners seek advice from their accountant prior to use. More information can be found at  www.bswapshop.com.

We speak to John Park, Head of Business Operations at the Freight Trade Alliance who details the state of the supply chain in WA and the impacts of COVID-19, what importers or exporters can expect now and in the near term and potential ways to diversify your supply or market in the future. More information for importers/exporters can be found at www.ftalliance.com.au.

In our first episode, we speak to Lisa Legena, Manager Business Advisory Services from the Small Business Development Corporation who details the initiatives and services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that businesses are able to readily access. More information for businesses can be found at www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au or by calling 13 31 40.