Launch of new digital hub to support Australian small business owners

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Everymind is pleased to announce the launch of the new Ahead for Business digital hub which supports small businesses to be mentally healthy.

Funded by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, the hub has been has been developed with and for small business, providing tailored resources, peer support, check-ups and personalised action plans and showcases their experiences through podcasts, videos, blogs and case studies.

Everymind Acting Director Associate Professor Carmel Loughland said as Australia’s largest employment sector, small businesses are a critical setting for a focus on mental health and wellbeing.

“We know that more than 4 million people experience mental ill-health each year and almost half of the population has experienced a mental illness at some point in their life,” Associate Professor Loughland said.

“Research has shown that small business owners have an increased risk of mental ill-health due to the unique range of stressors they face; such as long working hours, feeling obliged to work when sick, multiple responsibilities, and financial stress.”

The new Ahead for Business digital hub is part of a national strategy designed to support small business owners in every setting and features a set of new features including:

  • Interactive toolkits: Designed with small business owners and policy makers in mind, these toolkits provide practical guidance on how to support small business owners and how small business owners can make the most of their existing networks.

  • Adverse events spotlight: A centralised hub of support, information and resources for small business owners and those who support them to assist in navigating adverse events like COVID-19, drought and bushfires.

  • Voices and stories from small business owners: A blog space featuring the voices and stories from small business owners across multiple settings and industries.

  • Personalised dashboard: A secure, private portal where small business owners can save resources, results and information and track their progress over time.

  • Connect and chat online: Access an anonymous, peer-focused online forum featuring topics and issues that matter to small business owners.

  • Directory of support: A section which connects to service providers and organisations who provide mental health, business and industry support for small business owners.

  • Identify your stressors: Access a range of digital tools and plans to identify personal stress points and understand current mental health and wellbeing status, including personalised resources.

  • Tailored multimedia resources: A series of podcasts, videos and case studies designed to empower small business owners, and those who support them, to take action on their mental health and wellbeing.

Sara Johnston