Covid-19 Support

Covid-19 Support

Updated: 13th September 2021

 

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

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.

 

Click Here to download the latest NSW Government Covid-19 summary of support to individuals and businesses.

 

NSW State Government Assistance

 

 

1-The Covid-19 Business Support Grant

This is a one-off payment to help your business with cashflow support from the first 3 weeks of lockdown.

How much

  • $7,500 to $15,000 depending on your decline in turnover

Eligibility

  • You can show a revenue decline of 30% or more (you need to compare your revenue from the same period in 2019)
  • Your annual turnover needs to be above $75,000
  • Your payroll should be below $10 million

 

Apply for the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grant

 

 

2-COVID-19 Micro Business Grants

This is a fortnightly payment for your business, if your turnover is between $30,000 and $75,000

How much

  • $1,500 per fortnight

Eligibility

  • You need a turnover between $30k and $75k
  • Your revenue needs to have decline by 30% or more (you need to compare your revenue from the same period in 2019)
  • Your business needs to provide the primary income source for you or a person associated with the business

 

Apply for the 2021 COVID-19 Micro Business Grant

 

 

3- ‘Job Saver’ Employee Retention Scheme

JobSaver payments are fortnightly payments, designed to help you maintain your staff as at 13th July, by providing cashflow support to your business.  You must also maintain your headcount as at 13th July 2021

How much

  • If you employ staff: 40% of your weekly NSW payroll, with payments between $1,500 and $100,000 per week
  • If you are a non-employing business: you will receive $1,000 per week

Eligibility

  • A revenue decline of 30% or more (you need to compare your revenue from the same period in 2019)
  • Turnover between $75,000 and $250 million

 

Apply for JobSaver

 

 

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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