BHP’s Vital Resources Fund (VRF) is helping Exmouth businesses access $1000 towards the cost of professional business services to help manage the disruptions caused by COVID-19.

Exmouth is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Western Australia, and like many regional holiday hotspots, the town has been hit hard because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Through BHP’s VRF program, local businesses in Exmouth can now access accountants, financial planners, lawyers, industrial relations support, business analyst services or digital marketing services to help support and ultimately re-build their businesses.

Exmouth’s Salty Locks Hair Studio owner Brooke Alexanderson said she felt overwhelmed by the adjustments her business needed to make.

“I had serious concerns about my cash flow,” Brooke said.

“The BHP Vital Resources fund was such a welcome relief and came just at the right time.

“It helped me get an Accountant and Financial Advisor to help put together a clear business recovery plan.”

Gary Mounsey from Exmouth Bus Charter said their business relies heavily on interstate and overseas visitors.

“Obviously, WA’s border closures have severely affected us,” Gary said.

“So it was a pleasant surprise to find out about funds available to us through BHP’s Vital Resources Fund.

“We used our funds to seek help from our Accountant to register, administer and manage the Federal Government’s JobKeeper Payments for our three employees.

“It’s a complex admin task, so were pleased to have that taken care of while we put our energy into our business recovery plans, and we are now looking forward to moving our business into recovery mode.”

Exmouth Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) President David Gillespe said BHP’s Vital Resources Fund continues to provide terrific benefits to the local business community.

“The ease of application and freedom to choose the professional business service required has ensured the fund has been precisely targeted and utilised.

“The ECCI on behalf of the Exmouth Business Community extend our gratitude to BHP for showing valuable support during this difficult time and we look to continue our partnership into the future.”