Rural Financial Counselling Service

FREE Workshop – Wingham Services Club
2023-02-23 09:30 - 14:30 (Australia/Sydney)
Securing the Future for your Business” – Succession Planning, with guest speaker Mark Scanlon from NEXT Rural
FREE WORKSHOP – 23rd February 2023
9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Presented by Mark Scanlon, Director NEXT Rural Securing the future for your business is a guide to the – How, Who, What and When of farm business succession planning.
• Understand the nature of Business Transition and Succession Planning
• Management of Family, Business and Ownership interests
• Key components and the makeup of your plan
• Considerations for a successful outcome
• Building your plan using a structured approach
• Formalising your plan and key documents
Morning Tea and Light Lunch will be provided, if you have special dietary requirements please call
1800 344 090 once you have booked your ticket.
Seats are limited so don’t miss out to book your ticket to this FREE event.
Book Your Seats Today(Opens in a new tab)

FREE Workshop – Kempsey Macleay RSL Club
2023-02-22 09:30 - 14:30
Securing the Future for your Business” – Succession Planning, with guest speaker Mark Scanlon from NEXT Rural
FREE WORKSHOP – 22nd February 2023
9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Presented by Mark Scanlon, Director NEXT Rural Securing the future for your business is a guide to the – How, Who, What and When of farm business succession planning.
• Understand the nature of Business Transition and Succession Planning
• Management of Family, Business and Ownership interests
• Key components and the makeup of your plan
• Considerations for a successful outcome
• Building your plan using a structured approach
• Formalising your plan and key documents
Morning Tea and Light Lunch will be provided, if you have special dietary requirements please call
1800 344 090 once you have booked your ticket.
Seats are limited so don’t miss out to book your ticket to this FREE event.
Book Your Seats Today(Opens in a new tab)

FREE Workshop – Club Evans RSL
2022-10-26 09:30 - 15:00
Securing the Future for your Business” – Succession Planning, with guest speaker Mark Scanlon from NEXT Rural
FREE WORKSHOP – 26th October 2022
9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Presented by Mark Scanlon, Director NEXT Rural Securing the future for your business is a guide to the – How, Who, What and When of farm business succession planning.
• Understand the nature of Business Transition and Succession Planning
• Management of Family, Business and Ownership interests
• Key components and the makeup of your plan
• Considerations for a successful outcome
• Building your plan using a structured approach
• Formalising your plan and key documents
Morning Tea and Light Lunch will be provided, if you have special dietary requirements please call
1800 344 090 once you have booked your ticket.
Seats are limited so don’t miss out to book your ticket to this FREE event.
Book Your Seats Today(Opens in a new tab)

FREE Workshop – Murwillumbah Services Club
2022-10-25 09:30 - 15:00
“Securing the Future for your Business” – Succession Planning, with guest speaker Mark Scanlon from NEXT Rural
FREE WORKSHOP – 25th October 2022
9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Presented by Mark Scanlon, Director NEXT Rural Securing the future for your business is a guide to the – How, Who, What and When of farm business succession planning.
• Understand the nature of Business Transition and Succession Planning
• Management of Family, Business and Ownership interests
• Key components and the makeup of your plan
• Considerations for a successful outcome
• Building your plan using a structured approach
• Formalising your plan and key documents
Morning Tea and Light Lunch will be provided, if you have special dietary requirements please call
1800 344 090 once you have booked your ticket.
Seats are limited so don’t miss out to book your ticket to this FREE event.
Book Your Seats Today(Opens in a new tab)

Singleton / Farm Succession Planning, Starting the Conversation
2022-08-11 09:00 - 15:30 | Private: Club Narrabri – 7 Maitland St Narrabri, 7 Maitland Street, Narrabri, Australia
Presented by Isobel Knight and Jess Cavanagh from Proagtive.

FREE Workshop | Singleton
When | Thursday 11th August 2022
Time | 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Where | Singleton Diggers Club – 49 Castlereagh St Singleton.
Book Your Seats Today(Opens in a new tab)

Farming provides a lifestyle that often includes family. It is also a business.
For those who have dedicated a lifetime to building their farming business, it can be immensely comforting to know it can continue after a successful transition to the next generation.
However, it can be difficult to face the complex legal and emotional issues around succession planning.
The FREE workshop will provide participants with tools and strategies to address the following 12 areas of their business. When thinking about succession planning it is these 12 areas which every family farm business has to address in a staged process over time.

What is succession planning and why is it so complex?
What are the business and personal goals of each family member?
What is the purpose of your business?
Is your business in a financial position to meets the business and personal goals?
Understanding your family dynamics and the intergenerational differences
Importance of a formal communication strategy
Importance of discussing and planning for retirement
Formalising roles and responsibilities and reward and pay system
Why we need documented Business Policies
Understanding your business structure – legal and tax implications
Understanding the role of business advisors in the succession process
Viability and Finance Planning

Morning Tea and Light Lunch will be provided.
If you have special dietary requirements please call 1800 344 090 once you have booked your ticket.
Seats are limited so don’t miss out – book your ticket to this FREE event.
Book Your Seats Today(Opens in a new tab)

About the Presenters:

Isobel Knight is the owner and Director of Proagtive and has degrees in business, law and psychology. Isobel was awarded the 2013 NSW/ACT Rural Women’s Award, and was the National runner up. Isobel and her family run a cattle trading enterprise. She is the Mother of 3 and the Grandmother of 4.
Isobel has worked closely with hundreds of families Australia wide. There is no one in the succession planning industry with the breadth of knowledge, experience and passion as Isobel.
Isobel’s passion is to ensure that the next generation has the opportunity to participate in agriculture and believes that a lack of succession planning or engaging in a one-dimensional version of succession planning is costing farming families, rural communities, and Australian agriculture dearly.
The remarkable level of training and experience sets Isobel apart from anyone else in the field of succession planning.

Jess Cavanagh is passionate about the evolution of modern agriculture and seeing that farming families are using best practice to ensure longevity and sustainability of the industry. Jess holds a double degree in Arts/Laws. Jess has previous work experience in private law firms and in Local Government in Economic Development and Integrated Planning and Reporting.
Jess is 4th generation in a family farming business based near Harden, NSW. Jess’ Dad and husband are both active in the business and she loves watching her children immerse themselves in their own agricultural journey.
Jess is the General Manager of Proagtive and is the first point of contact for new families. Jess enjoys spending time getting to understand the intricacies of each family, and assisting to find outcomes that suit the perspectives and circumstance of each family, and knowing that those outcomes can be achieved.

Narrabri / Farm Succession Planning, Starting the Conversation
2022-08-09 09:00 - 15:30 | Private: Club Narrabri – 7 Maitland St Narrabri, 7 Maitland Street, Narrabri, Australia
Presented by Isobel Knight and Jess Cavanagh from Proagtive.

FREE Workshop | Narrabri
When | Tuesday 9th August 2022
Time | 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Where | Club Narrabri – 7 Maitland St Narrabri
Book Your Seats Today(Opens in a new tab)

Farming provides a lifestyle that often includes family. It is also a business.
For those who have dedicated a lifetime to building their farming business, it can be immensely comforting to know it can continue after a successful transition to the next generation.
However, it can be difficult to face the complex legal and emotional issues around succession planning.
The FREE workshop will provide participants with tools and strategies to address the following 12 areas of their business. When thinking about succession planning it is these 12 areas which every family farm business has to address in a staged process over time.

What is succession planning and why is it so complex?
What are the business and personal goals of each family member?
What is the purpose of your business?
Is your business in a financial position to meets the business and personal goals?
Understanding your family dynamics and the intergenerational differences
Importance of a formal communication strategy
Importance of discussing and planning for retirement
Formalising roles and responsibilities and reward and pay system
Why we need documented Business Policies
Understanding your business structure – legal and tax implications
Understanding the role of business advisors in the succession process
Viability and Finance Planning

Morning Tea and Light Lunch will be provided.
If you have special dietary requirements please call 1800 344 090 once you have booked your ticket.
Seats are limited so don’t miss out – book your ticket to this FREE event.
Book Your Seats Today(Opens in a new tab)

About the Presenters:

Isobel Knight is the owner and Director of Proagtive and has degrees in business, law and psychology. Isobel was awarded the 2013 NSW/ACT Rural Women’s Award, and was the National runner up. Isobel and her family run a cattle trading enterprise. She is the Mother of 3 and the Grandmother of 4.
Isobel has worked closely with hundreds of families Australia wide. There is no one in the succession planning industry with the breadth of knowledge, experience and passion as Isobel.
Isobel’s passion is to ensure that the next generation has the opportunity to participate in agriculture and believes that a lack of succession planning or engaging in a one-dimensional version of succession planning is costing farming families, rural communities, and Australian agriculture dearly.
The remarkable level of training and experience sets Isobel apart from anyone else in the field of succession planning.

Jess Cavanagh is passionate about the evolution of modern agriculture and seeing that farming families are using best practice to ensure longevity and sustainability of the industry. Jess holds a double degree in Arts/Laws. Jess has previous work experience in private law firms and in Local Government in Economic Development and Integrated Planning and Reporting.
Jess is 4th generation in a family farming business based near Harden, NSW. Jess’ Dad and husband are both active in the business and she loves watching her children immerse themselves in their own agricultural journey.
Jess is the General Manager of Proagtive and is the first point of contact for new families. Jess enjoys spending time getting to understand the intricacies of each family, and assisting to find outcomes that suit the perspectives and circumstance of each family, and knowing that those outcomes can be achieved.

Grafton | A guide to the How, Who, What and When of Succession Planning
2022-06-02 09:30 - 15:00 | Private: Club Narrabri – 7 Maitland St Narrabri, 7 Maitland Street, Narrabri, Australia
“Securing the future for your business”
Presented by Mark Scanlon, Director NEXT Rural.
FREE Workshop | Grafton
A guide to the How, Who, What and When of Succession Planning
When | Thursday 2nd June 2022
Time | 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Where | Grafton Service Club
Book Your Seats Today(Opens in a new tab)
The Workshop “Securing the future for your business” is a guide to the – How, Who, What and When of farm business succession planning.

Understand the nature of Business Transition and Succession Planning
Management of Family, Business and Ownership interests
Key components and the makeup of your plan
Considerations for a successful outcome
Building your plan using a structured approach
Formalising your plan and key documents

Morning Tea and Light Lunch will be provided.
If you have special dietary requirements please call 1800 344 090 once you have booked your ticket.
Book Your Seats Today(Opens in a new tab)
Seats are limited so don’t miss out to book your ticket to this FREE event.

Casino | A guide to the How, Who, What and When of Succession Planning
2022-06-01 09:30 - 15:00 | Private: Casino RSM Club, 162 Canterbury Street, Casino, 2470, Australia
“Securing the future for your business”
Presented by Mark Scanlon, Director NEXT Rural.
FREE Workshop | Casino
A guide to the How, Who, What and When of Succession Planning
When | Wednesday 1st June 2022
Time | 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Where | Casino RSM Club
Book Your Seats Today(Opens in a new tab)
The Workshop “Securing the future for your business” is a guide to the – How, Who, What and When of farm business succession planning.

Understand the nature of Business Transition and Succession Planning
Management of Family, Business and Ownership interests
Key components and the makeup of your plan
Considerations for a successful outcome
Building your plan using a structured approach
Formalising your plan and key documents

Morning Tea and Light Lunch will be provided.
If you have special dietary requirements please call 1800 344 090 once you have booked your ticket.
Book Your Seats Today(Opens in a new tab)
Seats are limited so don’t miss out to book your ticket to this FREE event.

Tenterfield | A guide to the How, Who, What and When of Succession Planning
2022-05-31 09:30 - 15:00 | Private: Tenterfield Golf Club, 169 Pelham St, Tenterfield, 2372
“Securing the future for your business”
Presented by Mark Scanlon, Director NEXT Rural.
FREE Workshop | Tenterfield
A guide to the How, Who, What and When of Succession Planning
When | 31st May 2022
Time | 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Where | Tenterfield Golf Club
Book Your Seats Today(Opens in a new tab)
The Workshop “Securing the future for your business” is a guide to the – How, Who, What and When of farm business succession planning.

Understand the nature of Business Transition and Succession Planning
Management of Family, Business and Ownership interests
Key components and the makeup of your plan
Considerations for a successful outcome
Building your plan using a structured approach
Formalising your plan and key documents

Morning Tea and Light Lunch will be provided.
If you have special dietary requirements please call 1800 344 090 once you have booked your ticket.
Book Your Seats Today(Opens in a new tab)
Seats are limited so don’t miss out to book your ticket to this FREE event.

WEBINAR | Protect Yourself In Business
2022-03-30 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event | Delivered via Zoom
Life in business continues to be tough. While there has been record sales and revenue in some industry sectors, others are still grappling with the cumulative impact of the stay-at-home orders, the moving goal posts of restrictions placed on retail, hospitality and tourism sectors, the lingering impacts of the natural disasters that affected our regions and now rising prices and supply chain issues.
These impacts have exposed a range of risks, that if not managed can severely impact business viability and ultimately the financial position of those closest to the business i.e. directors and owners.
The Rural Business Support Northern NSW team invites small businesses from across the regions of NSW to attend a webinar, where the importance of identifying emerging risks and implementing effective “Business Protect” strategies will be explained.
The guest presenter for this webinar is Tim Gumbleton from RSM Australia based in Port Macquarie.
Tim has been employed in the accounting and consulting profession since the mid-1990s. Tim has been labelled a “corporate umpire” for his ability to resolve commercial and business disputes and find the best outcome in the most difficult of circumstances.
Tim has a demonstrated ability to resolve disputes, develop and implement complex debt and financial solutions and manage sensitive and commercial financial issues.
In this webinar Tim will draw on his vast experience to discuss topics to assist you to Protect Yourself in Business such as:

Asset protection and limiting personal liability
Lingering business uncertainty and emerging risks
Options to safeguard your business viability
Identifying risks and responding early
Dispute resolution including partnership, shareholder, family law and succession
Business restructuring and safe harbour exit strategies

This webinar is limited to 50 participants. This is an online ZOOM event that will run for one hour. A recording of the ZOOM presentation will be available to registered participants.

WEBINAR | Preparing Your Hospitality Business For Sale
2022-03-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event | Delivered via Zoom
Selling a hospitality business is not the same as selling other types of businesses. There is plenty of evidence that a structured plan to exit your business can increase the sale value of the business significantly. Whilst there are parts of the transaction that are standard, there are lots of differences when it comes to selling cafes, restaurants, bars and takeaway businesses.
The Team at Rural Business Support (Northern NSW) invites hospitality businesses from across the regions of NSW to attend a webinar, where the importance of creating a structured exit plan will be explained.
Our Presenter | Paul Leach from GSE Business Consultants
The guest presenter for this webinar is Paul Leach from GSE Business Consultants, based in North Sydney. Paul is an incredible source of information and expertise on how to prepare a hospitality business for sale – for a more timely sale, and a more profitable sale!

Paul grew up in the food business, his parents owned two very successful restaurants. In 1993 Paul opened his first Café called Hogarth’s. Since then, Paul had built up and sold nine food businesses, and loved every minute of working in those businesses and learnt a lot about how the sale process works. It was Paul’s love of the food industry that he really wanted to crack double digits and open shop number ten. Unfortunately, the two things that Paul valued the most in his life, his marriage and his health, probably would not have lasted, so he called it a day.
Paul always felt that there was a better way to sell cafes and food businesses, and that is where GSE Businesses Consultants and the “Six Steps to Sale” program originated.

This webinar is limited to 50 participants. This is an online ZOOM event that will be recorded and available to registered participants.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/264964163947
This webinar is a series of four live webinars the team at Rural Business Support will be hosting as part of 2022 Small Business Month. Take a look at our other webinars here.

WEBINAR | Pay Yourself AND Make a Profit
2022-03-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event | Delivered via Zoom
With the increased pressures on small businesses over the last two years, some business owners have struggled to meet the running costs of their business, let alone pay themselves. With the expected re-emergence of normal trading conditions throughout 2022, now is the perfect time to review your business and plan for a profitable future.
The Rural Business Support Northern NSW team invites small businesses from across the regions of NSW to attend a webinar, where the importance of understanding that a business owner can pay themselves and make a profit, will be explained.
The guest presenter for this webinar is Laura Elkaslassy, the CEO of Profit First Professionals Australia.
Laura, aka the Profit Pioneer runs four successful businesses. She is a sought after Money Mentor, Trainer and a certified Profit First Professional. With 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, Laura has supported over 2,000 businesses from a diverse range of fields to increase their profitability by at least 50%.
Laura’s support ensures that business owners are able to pay themselves the wages they deserve, bringing personal goals within reach.
It is Laura’s mission to enable business owners to create sustainable income and growth through teaching them how to price effectively, generate profits from day one, and implement systems and structures for long term financial success.

This webinar is limited to 50 participants. This is an online ZOOM event that will run for one hour. A recording of the ZOOM presentation will be available to registered participants.

WEBINAR | Branding & Strategic Communication
2022-03-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event | Delivered via Zoom
The Rural Business Support Northern NSW team, invites small businesses from across NSW to attend a webinar, where the importance of creating a strategy to implement effective communication with your customers will be explained.
The guest presenter for this webinar is Kent Woodcock from Kent Woodcock Creative Solutions (KWCS) based in Newcastle.
Kent will be sharing and showcasing real work examples from ideas, strategic thinking to final implementation. Kent’s creative thinking has helped small, medium and large businesses and organisations locally and globally.
Size doesn’t matter, from Kent’s 30 years of marketing, branding and advertising experience the same challenges are found across all size businesses. Kent strongly believes it’s the ideas that make the difference from discovering the solution, identifying the benefits, creating the strategy to implementing the communication.
Kent’s presentation will share his philosophy and outline a range of challenges and solutions that all businesses can identify with. Kent, being a small business owner and an experienced board director, understands the challenges that businesses face today and how vital powerful communication is to create business success.
Profile businesses Kent has helped: NIB Health Funds, McDonald Jones Homes, Australia Post, Orica, Canteen, Cancer Council Australia, Regional Councils – Gunnedah, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Parkes, Maitland, Armidale and Upper Hunter. NSW Government – Health, RTA, Sydney Water & EPA.
This webinar is limited to 50 attendees. This is an online ZOOM event that will be recorded and made available to registered attendees.
If you have any problems or questions please call 1800 344 090.

WEBINAR | With Service NSW - Financial support for businesses impacted by COVID-19, Storms & Floods
2022-02-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual Event | Delivered via Zoom
Join Rose Tuakanangaro, Business Concierge from Service NSW as she outlines the various assistance that is available to businesses in NSW. This webinar is intended as an informative session for Small Businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19, Storms & Floods.
Rose will spend most of her time walking us through the two latest grants to become available:

2022 Small Business Support Program
Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance Grant

Rose will then move on to cover other supports currently available:

Small Business Fees And Charges Rebate
Dine & Discover NSW Vouchers Scheme
Stay NSW Voucher Scheme
Alfresco Restart Rebate
Safework Small Business Rebate
Jobs Plus Program
Export Assistance Grant
Small And Medium Enterprise (SME) Guarantee Scheme

Our Small Business Financial Counsellors will also be on the line to assist you at the end of the webinar if you have any questions, or would like our assistance in your small business recovery strategies.
