While some businesses have already reopened and others are sure of their future, others still feel in no man's land unsure whether to reopen or pack it all in.

If that's you, there is help at hand.

The NSW Government has funded a program called 'Business Connect'. Business Connect is made up of credentialled business advisors that will talk through an owner's situation helping to clarify their future.

Gary Wheatstone works for NORTEC, a training/employment agency and is one of the credentialled business advisors.

"An advisor needs to be credentialled by the State Government," Gary told the Lismore App, "We need to have run our own small business for at least 18 months and most people have got a lot more experience than that plus we need to have a business associate or tertiary qualification Cert 4 and above."

"Sometimes this is just an opportunity to sit and talk with somebody and that can be quite beneficial for their mental health."

Through Business Connect Gary and NORTEC are reestablishing webinars and workshops since the flood.

"We're looking at networking type events with motivational type speakers and businesses that have reopened to encourage those sitting on the fence or feeling a bit down in the dumps to get up and have a go again."

The good news for business owners is the sessions are absolutely free, they are fully subsidised by the State Government and importantly it is confidential advice.

Typically how would a conversation go?

"We could talk about hopefully reopening but if that's not what their plan is, we can help them through the exit process so they can exit in the most beneficial manner to themselves," Gary explained.

"What we are focussing on is trying to come up with a new plan for people so they can operate in whatever the new norm is."

"We first ask the business owner what are they trying to achieve so what are they doing and why are they doing it. We can then look at their cash flow, their marketing and their online presence which is a big focus nowadays, things like that."

"We are not experts in every field but we can have those discussions at a high level and then ask them to engage with a specialist or come to our webinars that cover those areas."

Gary services all the Northern Rivers so the meeting can be face-to-face, a phone call or a web chat.

"Sometimes this is just an opportunity for someone to unload to somebody who understands business if their spouse doesn't want to talk about it or the rest of the family. I'm very happy to sit and listen to people and offer some objective perspective because I'm not emotionally attached to their business. I can look at it from a purely commercial perspective."

If you would benefit from a free Business Connect chat, call Gary on 0408 631 801 or email him at garyw@nortec.org.au.