Who we are
Rural Business Support (RBS) is a not for profit organisation based in South Australia. While our head office is in Magill, we have regional offices across SA and in Darwin, in the NT. Our services and programs are developed to inspire farmers and small business owners in rural areas to take action to improve their financial position.
Our programs and services are developed to inspire primary producers and small rural business owners to take action to improve their financial position and to manage change, risk and business challenges.
RBS delivers the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) in South Australia and the Northern Territory. Supported by the Australian Government and Governments of South Australia and the Northern Territory, the RFCS is a free, independent and confidential financial counselling service for eligible clients.
RBS is constantly exploring opportunities to further shape our business, to assist our farmers and rural communities to deal with the challenges of adversity and business risk, in an environment of socio and economic change.
Our Vision
A competitive, profitable and sustainable primary industry sector.
Our Purpose
We provide confidential services and independent support that enables clients to prepare for business risks and be resilient in managing business challenges.
Our Clients
We support primary producers, small rural business owners and rural communities who are seeking independent, credible and professional support.
Our People
Our business is built on the experience and reputation of our people who are adaptable and responsive to the needs of our clients. Our success is based on our ability to actively seek out innovation, opportunities and partnerships to achieve client outcomes. In short, we get things done.
Challenges and Opportunities
The changing face of agribusiness has led to the delivery of improved and targeted Programmes and Services to support the development of a competitive, profitable and sustainable primary industry businesses.
Climate and Environment
Responses to a drying climate, water availability and sustainable practices.
Global Food Demand
Changing production or distribution to access important overseas markets.
Declining Terms of Trade
Managing a profitable enterprise with the challenges of global price movements.
History
The Rural Financial Counselling Service began nationally in 1986 after a meeting of rural community groups. The decision was made to support the development of local financial counselling groups within regions that were deemed to be in difficulty through drought, depressed commodity prices and increasing interest rates with Rural Financial Counsellors appointed throughout South Australia.
In 2006 a new state wide service, the Rural Financial Counselling Service SA, commenced and replaced the 12 existing regional based Rural Financial Counsellors that were managed by volunteer committees.
At the peak of the drought in 2007, the 12 Rural Financial Counsellors increased to 21.
In 2011 Rural Business Support was formed, expanding its services to the whole agribusiness sector.
By mid-2020 when challenges including drought, the Black Summer bushfires and COVID-19 took a toll on rural communities, Rural Business Support employed 50 financial counsellors and support staff.
