Covid-19 Support

Covid-19 Support

Covid-19 (the novel Coronavirus) has had a major impact on countries, communities, individuals and businesses all over the world. Southern Region Business Enterprise Centre (SRBEC), Northern Region Business Enterprise Centre (NRBEC) and Canberra Business Enterprise Centre (CBEC) business advisors are on-the-ground (from our homes) throughout the southern and northern regions of NSW and the ACT, working hard every day to support business owners as they weave through these challenging times.

 

To help business owners identify the financial assistance avenues that are available and applicable to them, we have listed the relevant information below. These will be updated regularly as further details come to hand.

 

There are many government websites and it is a daunting prospect to wade through them and work out what information is relevant to you. So as not to add further to the overwhelm, we will keep our links to the key websites. Our advisors have access to many more, which may be local to your state or LGA, or of a more general nature. Please contact your local business advisor for more assistance, support and advice.

 

 

Australian Federal Government Assistance

A key and trusted source of current government information for the public is https://www.australia.gov.au/. This site is regularly updated with the latest Coronavirus news, updated and advice from government agencies across Australia. The Australian Government’s economic response to the Coronavirus can be found at https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus.

 

A primary concern for everyone is your mental health and wellbeing. If you feel you or someone close to you could have some additional support, a good place to start is https://headtohealth.gov.au/ a website provided by the Australian Department of Health with over 500 services and resources from some of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations.

 

Coronavirus information and support for business – financial assistance, eligibility and timing for government support initiatives is kept current at https://www.business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business. This includes information and advice for companies, sole traders, Not-for-Profits and employers, such as (but not limited to) the:

 

  • Jobkeeper Payment – for employers and for sole traders,
  • Boosting Cashflow for Employers measure,
  • Apprentice or trainee wage subsidies,
  • Hold on evictions for renters in financial distress due to the impact of the coronavirus,
  • Income support measures,
  • Early access to superannuation,
  • Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme, supporting the flow of credit,
  • Temporary relief for financially distressed businesses – companies and directors.

 

(eligibility criteria apply)

 

Many of the Australian government initiatives for business are to be delivered by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).  You may need to apply directly with the ATO, however some will be applied automatically through your BAS if you are eligible. https://www.ato.gov.au/General/COVID-19/

 

Keep up-to-date with your workplace entitlements and your rights and responsibilities as an employer during the coronavirus outbreak, including information about stand downs from work, working arrangements impacted by school closures, pay and leave entitlements and changes to the awards at https://coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au/

 

Further information and dispute resolution support is available through the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) https://www.asbfeo.gov.au/

 

 

Each State and Territory is providing additional support measures throughout their communities

 

NSW State Government Assistance

The NSW Government has assistance for small businesses struggling with the Covid-10 shutdown including the Small Business Support Grant of $10,000 through the Small Business Support fund (eligibility criteria apply), https://preview.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/businesses-and-employment

 

The NSW Covid-10 Small Business Support Grant application form will be available by 17 April 2020 at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/covid-19-help-small-businesses

 

 

ACT Government Assistance

Information about the economic support measures for businesses in the ACT are available at https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/economic-support

 

 

Southern Region Business Enterprise Centre – Key areas of support available

A team of highly experienced business advisors are available to meet with you online or talk to you by phone to discuss your business needs, be that general information or more specific business restructuring and recovery advice and assistance.

 

NSW Business Connect Advisors

This is a fully subsidised business advisory service that is available to all businesses in NSW and subsided by the NSW government. Register at business.nsw.gov.au/businessconnect, or contact us directly;

Contact details: SRBEC Office 02 6297 3121

Business Connect is a dedicated and personalised NSW Government program that provides trusted advice to help you start, run, adapt or grow your small business.

 

Canberra Business Advice and Support Service (CBASS) – Business Advisors

Up to four hours of FREE tailored business advice and support, subsidised by the ACT Government is available to established businesses in the ACT. (To access this service businesses must have an existing ABN).

Contact details: SRBEC Office 02 6297 3121

 

Australian Small Business Advisory Service (ASBAS) – Digital Solutions Business Advisors

Up to 30 hours of FREE digital advice is available to all business owners requiring help with their online presence including websites, social media and digital marketing, subsidised by the Commonwealth Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business. (To access this service businesses must have an ABN).

Contact details: SRBEC Office 02 6297 3121

 

Entrepreneurship Facilitator Service

Available in the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven our Entrepreneurship Facilitator promotes entrepreneurship and self-employment as valid employment options through this fully-subsidised initiative, subsidised by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Skills and Employment.

Contact details: SRBEC Office 02 6297 3121

 

 

Solving Problems and Dispute Resolution Service

Access a confidential and free dispute resolution service which has been set up to help small businesses needing assistance to work through problems with other businesses or government. The NSW Small Business Commission helps parties talk about their problems and work towards a solution through negotiation and communication. They can also assist small businesses with issues in relation to insurance and regulatory concerns.
Call 1300 795 534 or visit https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/dispute-resolution

 

 

Resources

Small Business Recovery Toolkit

The NSW Small Business Commission has developed a range of resources to help small business owners recover from disasters.