BUSINESSES struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic are being urged to explore all avenues of funding by the state's peak business body.
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Business NSW is encouraging businesses feeling the pinch of the coronavirus crisis to investigate whether they are eligible for the $550 million of grant funding available via the state government's small business grants.
"I think it's really important for local businesses to explore if these grants are something that can help them," Business NSW regional manger Joe Townsend told the Leader.
"The NSW Government has given out their $10,000 grants for businesses that have had a significant turnover reduction due to the crisis.
"However, they have only used around $200 million of the $750 million allocated to it and it's important for us to remind businesses that help is available."
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The call comes after the state government expanded the grants to include more businesses such as wineries and micro-breweries.
"Overseen by Service NSW, the Small Business COVID-19 Support Grant provides $10,000 cash to eligible small businesses that are struggling with bills and key expenses in the aftermath of the pandemic lockdown," Mr Townsend said.
"Pleasingly the funds can also be used for paying utilities, salaries, rent and marketing activities to help businesses adapt to the changing regulations.
"With $550 Million still available, our advice to small businesses is to apply online or if in doubt call Service NSW on 13 77 88 to discuss your unique situation.
"The government has already approved 20,000 applications from the 29,000 received, so you stand a good chance of being successful."
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson echoed the sentiments, and said the government was doing all it could to support businesses during the pandemic.
"As well as these $10,000 grants, there is also the additional $10,000 bushfire grants available to affected businesses across 13 local government areas," Mr Anderson said.
"The government is committed to helping local businesses during this period and is constantly looking at new ways to help."
To be eligible, businesses will need to:
- Have an ABN and employ staff as at 1 March 2020
- Have between 1-19 employees and a turnover of more than $75,000
- Have a payroll below $900,000
- Be highly impacted as a result of COVID-19, with a 75% reduced turnover
- Use the funding for unavoidable business costs (utilities, legal and financial advice).
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
