Small business under pressure

With roadside sales of his fresh produce plummeting and financial strains piling up, Lowden farmer Louie Scibilia is calling on small businesses which are struggling like him to take a stand.

Mr Scibilia wants small businesses across the State to shut shop on February 28 to demonstrate their worth to the community and bring attention to their plight.

“They’re going bankrupt, and it’s not just the farmer, it’s the dairyman, the bricklayer, the plasterer, ” Mr Scibilia said.

“After 30 years in business I wouldn’t recommend that people start up a small business or employ people.”

Mr Scibilia, who also runs a small construction business in Perth, said he worked seven days a week on his farm for a negative income and had not taken a holiday in 20 years.

“We need to send a message to the State Government that small businesses are dying — we’re all suffering the same problem, ” he said.

“I know small business better than anybody — we need Government to act and act now.”

Mr Scibilia said his businesses had struggled particularly since the economic downturn because people had less money to spend.

He has been forced to feed massive amounts of produce to his animals.

He said he had also been affected by the Main Roads’ removal of roadside signage after a ruling the signs were a distraction to drivers.

Any small businesses interested in joining Mr Scibilia’s shut shop campaign can call 0438 773 871.

“After 30 years in business I wouldn’t recommend that people start up a small business or employ people”