"I am extremely proud of the RBT team and their dedication to not only our rural clients but also the small business clients during this uncertain time. Not only have we been dealing with impacts of COVID-19 but also drought and bushfires," chief executive Elizabeth Skirving said.

Rural Business Tasmania is delivering many services during COVID - 19 including supporting those experiencing financial hardship through our Rural Financial Counselling and Small Business Financial Counselling programs. We continue to run our educational business programs - cultivating rural excellence and rural cadetship, and forestry contractors support.

We have assisted clients to apply for grants, set up financial support and also apply for Rural Relief Fund support. The organisation has also been involved in many round-tables and meetings to work collaboratively to support the industry and share observations.

Rural Business Tasmania has partnered with individuals, groups and communities statewide to help improve and protect the health and wellbeing of all Tasmanians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have provided support to people currently in self and mandated isolation through offering financial assistance and advice, help with medical needs, food assistance and mental wellbeing checks. As we move into the recovery phase of the pandemic, we are now turning our attention to continued support to help our business clients plan for longer term business stability.

Ms Skirving suggests that rural and small businesses should ponder what the new normal will look like, what changes need to be made to meet global market demands and the increasing online presence required for many to sell their products.

Spending the time now to look at the business and financial management aspects of the business will help to set up a solid foundation as we emerge into the post-COVID-19 world.

We encourage our communities to support our local businesses and it is great to hear some of the successful stories emerging of business adaption.