Media releases

Westpac to bolster support for small business in 2012

 

15 March 2012

Westpac Group will increase support for small business this year with a major campaign supporting the crucial role small businesses play in the economy.

It comes as the Government also continues to recognise the importance of small business with the announcement of the position of Small Business Commissioner.

Peter Hanlon, Chief Executive of Australian Financial Services, Westpac Group, said small businesses were the backbone of the Australian economy and relied on support from private and public sector.

“We support the Government’s announcement of a Small Business Commissioner and the steps the Government has taken in recent times to give a formal voice to small business within Government and the public policy framework. This includes appointing a Small Business Minister within Cabinet.

“This is an opportunity for the Government and private sector to continue working closely together. Westpac has been proud to support Government small business initiatives and was an active participant, with Government, at small business summits through the global financial crisis.

"As Australia’s First Bank, Westpac Group has a long history of supporting small business. For example, our Business Boost campaign in 2011 set aside $1 billion to support the business sector, including small business, during a six week period. In 2012, for the third year running, we will be bolstering our support to small business with a major campaign.

“Our Local Business Bankers are trained specifically to deal with the needs of small and medium businesses in their community, providing proactive advice and solutions to help local businesses succeed. Many of our Local Business Bankers have previously run their own business, and lived in the area.”

There are 750 bankers across Westpac Group in Australia who are dedicated to small business.