Bushfire-affected small businesses encouraged to cash in
Wingecarribee Shire Council is reminding local business owners that they may be eligible for the NSW Government’s Small Business Support Grants, with 575 local businesses already receiving grants of up to $10,000.
Eligible businesses must have experienced a 40 per cent drop in revenue over a three-month period, compared to the previous year, because of the recent bushfires.
“I encourage small businesses that have experienced a decline in revenue due to the bushfires to contact Service NSW to apply,” said Council’s Coordinator Economic Development Jan Campbell.
“Service NSW have a dedicated Business Concierge team who’ll help business owners assess their eligibility and help identify specific support and services available,” she continued.
Prior funding has focused primarily on businesses directly impacted by the bushfires however, this grant also provides much needed financial support to those who have been indirectly affected by the bushfires and lost business as a result.
“The application process for this grant has been simplified so eligible small businesses can access funds as quickly as possible,” said Ms Campbell. “Applications can be made online or over the phone with monies usually transferred within a few days.”
The grant may be used for, but is not limited to:
- meeting standard business costs, including utilities, salaries and rent
- seeking financial advice to support the recovery of the business
- adjusting the business to be viable in the changed local context following the bushfires
- developing the business and extending business reach through marketing and communications activities, or
- improvements to make the business more resilient to future disasters.
“The NSW Government estimates that 20,000 small businesses will be eligible for this grant,” said Ms Campbell.
“We’re happy to hear that around 10 per cent of our local businesses have already received the small business support grant, but we’d like to see more businesses benefit.”
To apply for a $10,000 small business grant, call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/business-support-bushfire-impacted-communities/grants-and-loans.
Documentation is not required up-front but may be requested later.
Small businesses who have received assistance under other grants or initiatives may also be eligible for this grant.