Covid-19 Support

Covid-19 Support

Updated: 14th July 2021

 

Covid-19 (the novel Coronavirus) still continues to have a major impact on countries, communities, individuals and businesses all over the world.

 

NRBEC and SRBEC acknowledges the contribution that our 750,000 small businesses make to the NSW economy and the lifestyle we enjoy. Covid continuously reminds us that we must remain vigilant, and we have put together a range of sites with relevant information to support you through this period.

 

Please note that 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 again) 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.

 

 

NSW State Government Assistance

 

[UPDATED]

 

As of today, the NSW government has committed $5.1 billion which includes more than $1 billion from the Commonwealth.

 

Key components of the 2021 COVID-19 package for businesses include:

 

1-The Small Business Covid-19 Support Grant

 

Applications will open in late July and to be eligible,  your business must meet the following criteria:

 

  • have fewer than 20 FTE (including non-employing businesses)
  • have an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in NSW or can demonstrate they are physically located and primarily operating in NSW. Only one grant is available for a single ABN
  • have total Australian annual wages below the NSW Government 2020-2021 payroll tax threshold of $1,200,000 as at 1 July 2020
  • have an annual turnover of more than $75,000 as at 1 June 2021
  • have not applied for, or received, the Hospitality and Tourism COVID-19 Support Grant
  • have business costs for which there is no other government support available.
  • Even if your business is in a regional area and you have been affected by public health restrictions, particularly throughout school holidays, you are still eligible to apply.

 

Eligible businesses receiving either the Small Business Grant or the Hospitality and Tourism Grant can receive:

 

  • $15,000 for a decline in turnover of 70%, or more
  • $10,000 for a decline in turnover of 50%, or more
  • $7,500 for a decline in turnover of 30%, or more.

 

To apply for the above grants, you will need to compare your business’s turnover over a minimum two-week period after lockdown commenced, to a minimum two-week period in June and/or July 2019.

 

If your business was not operating in June/July 2019 you may still be able to apply for the grants but you will need to contact Service NSW to discuss your application.

 

2-Micro Business Support

 

A new grants program for micro businesses with a turnover of between $30,000 and $75,000 which experience a decline in turnover of 30 per cent. The businesses will be eligible for a $1,500 payment per fortnight of restrictions.

 

3- ‘Job Saver’ Employee Retention Scheme

 

A “JobSaver” employee retention scheme providing cashflow support to businesses to help them retain staff. The cash boost will be up to 40% of weekly payroll with a payment of between $1,500 to a maximum of $10,000 per week, provided staffing levels are maintained at the level as of 13 July 2021. Non-employing businesses are eligible for $1,000 per week.

 

4-Stood Down Workers Support

 

An increase in the payment amount for stood down workers from $500 to $600 per week for those who lost more than 20 hours, and to $375 for those who lost between 8 and 20 hours, and available to workers outside of the Greater Sydney lockdown areas.

 

 

The NSW government has also deferred Payroll tax and extended the ‘Dine and Discover’ voucher program until August 31st.  To find out more, contact Service NSW directly, either thru your local Service Centre or on 13 77 88.

 

For more detailed information, please Click Here.

 

service.nsw.gov.au – Covid safe advice for NSW businesses, including Covid support grants and financial assistance packages, Dine & Discover voucher program.

 

nsw.gov.au – Wide range of information for NSW businesses, including relevant information impacting Regional NSW.

 

health.nsw.gov.au – Latest updates and advice from the NSW Chief Health Officer to ensure you remain abreast of all health information.

 

smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au – Business Continuity Plan to download and an assortment of likely Q&A for small businesses.

 

 

Australian Federal Government Assistance

A key and trusted source of current government information for the public is 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 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 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.

 

Alternatively, you can access the  NewAccess for Small Business Owners which is a free and confidential mental health coaching program, developed by Beyond Blue to give small business owners, including sole traders the support they need.

 

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:

 

  • JobMaker Hiring Credit Scheme,
  • Boosting Cashflow for employers measure,
  • Apprentice or trainee wage subsidies,
  • Instant asset write-off for eligible businesses,
  • Backing Business Investment,
  • Income support measures,
  • Assistance for affected regions, communities and industries,
  • SME Recovery Loan Scheme,
  • Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme,
  • International Freight Assistance Mechanism
  • 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. ato.gov.au

 

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 coronavirus.fairwork.gov.au

 

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

 

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

 

 

ACT Government Assistance

Information about the covid-19 support measures and resources available to ACT businesses is located at www.act.gov.au/business/home with additional information for specific industries and events available at www.covid19.act.gov.au/business-and-work.

 

 

 

Southern Region & Northern 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 7 hours of 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.

 

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