OCTOBER 2, 2015: SMALL business owners in the region now have a dedicated advisor based in Mackay to help them with everything from finances through to team building.Small businesses are the bedrock of our economy, and if we support them, they can boost their performance and employ more staff.Having access to the right advice at the right time can make all the difference and that is why the appointment of a small business advisor based here in Mackay is so important.I congratulate Lindon Lawn on his appointment to the role of small business advisor.The position was made possible thanks to a Liberal National Coalition Government funding boost of $770,000 to support small businesses in Mackay, Rockhampton and Gladstone.Mr Lawn can provide assistance on a whole range of matters which are important for those running small businesses, such as handling the finances, staff team building and connecting with customers in our digital world.Mr Lawn operates a mobile office, so he can go direct to businesses to deliver the kind of advice and assistance which provides valuable support.This is the largest grant awarded in the country for small business assistance, which shows the level of concern the Coalition Government has for the Central Queensland region.Mr Lawn can be contacted via email at llawn@centralqueenslandsbs.org.au  or phone 0418 496 407.This additional $770,000, together with the 2014 ASBAS Business Solutions round funding, brings the total Federal Government funding commitment to Queensland business advisory services to $3.47 million.