The most recent grants announced by the NSW Government will mean that $750 million dollars will be available for small and micro-businesses affected by COVID-19.
Eligible businesses with fewer than 20 employees can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 under the scheme.
This is a movement the Hunter Business Chamber believe will significantly help the Hunter economy and community at large during these difficult times.
Hunter Business Chamber CEO, Bob Hawes, said the initiative will help the overall state economy and keep more businesses afloat.
“This initiative from the NSW Government provides targeted support to the many small and micro businesses that collectively make a very important contribution to state economy through the staff they employ, the products and services they produce and the turnover they generate,” Bob said.
“While previous announcements from the NSW Government have centred on concessions for businesses that are large enough to pay payroll tax, this latest fund is aimed at smaller businesses with a handful of employees who may have been forced to close or vastly reduce their operating hours.
“Along with our affiliate organisation Business NSW, we have championed the cause of these small businesses, and are pleased to see this important cohort recognised through a targeted support package,” he continued.
Bob said that this alongside the new JobKeeper program will keep more people in employment within the region and around Australia.
“This grant, together with the JobKeeper program announced by the Prime Minister earlier last week, will help more small businesses to keep their doors open and their staff in work,” he said.
The grants will be available to businesses with between 1 and 19 employees and a payroll below $900,000 if they have been highly affected by the closures and restrictions enforced by the Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020, which was issued on 30 March 2020.
“Businesses will be able to use the funding for unavoidable business costs such as utilities, overheads and legal costs,” Bob said.
“A portion of the grant will allow businesses to access financial advice, to help them navigate through the many state and federal government support packages available and ensure they are taking full advantage of whatever assistance they are eligible to access.
During this time Bob said it remains important that small businesses seek the advice of professionals who can advise on the specifics of their business to receive the most accurate assistance.
“Business owners and operators we have been speaking with are very committed to keeping their doors open and their staff employed, and this assistance will help them achieve those objectives and play their part in keeping our economy going through the crisis,” he concluded.
Applications for the grants will be available online from 17 April.
IMAGE | New Government grants will help keep small businesses operating in the Hunter.
