TIME to think SMALL

Just months ago, the #buy from the bush campaign was a lifeline for struggling businesses trying to stay afloat in drought-stricken communities. Now, small business owners across Australia are praying loyal customers and government bailouts can save them from going under during the COVID-19 crisis.

Since social distancing and self-isolation became the norm across the country, retail businesses, cafes, beauty salons and fitness studios quickly felt the sting as sales dropped by up to 80 per cent in some areas, leading to staff cuts, reduced hours and even closures.

But the prospect of hundreds of thousands of workers losing their jobs became real last week when it was announced that Australia would follow in the footsteps