Support being offered to Hunter businesses affected by bushfires

Support being offered to Hunter businesses affected by bushfires

Bushfire-affected businesses in the Cessnock, Singleton and mid-coast local government areas are among those eligible for Disaster Recovery Grants through the Rural Assistance Authority.

Businesses in eligible areas that have suffered direct damage to premises or tools of trade from bushfire can claim up to $15,000 to help with clean-up and immediate restoration costs.

The Hunter Business Chamber are urging businesses that have been affected by the fires to check their eligibility for assistance.

Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Amy De Lore, said that many people are unaware of the support available and that businesses should take the opportunity to inform themselves of their entitlements during this difficult time.

“Results from a government bushfire impact survey show that a majority of business owners are not aware of grants and support available to help them through this crisis, with less than two per cent of small businesses surveyed in fire-affected areas applying for available assistance packages,” she said.

“The NSW and Federal Governments are providing financial assistance to those impacted, with the latest announcement from the State Government of $1 billion in recovery funding over the next two years to assist in restoring key infrastructure and support the hardest-hit local economies.”

The Hunter and NSW Business Chambers have been collecting information on damage and disruption to businesses in bushfire-affected areas.

The NSW Business Chamber will participate in the Federal Government Small Business recovery roundtable in Canberra today and will meet with the NSW State Government to help highlight the issues on the ground and find feasible solutions for those affected.

The NSW Business Chamber has collated information on bushfire support and assistance on their website and has opened its advice lines to bushfire-affected businesses.

IMAGE | Hunter Business Chamber urges business owners to seek bushfire support

Business Hunter

Business Hunter is the new name for the organisation formerly known as the Hunter Business Chamber. We are the largest regional peak business group in Australia, representing members across all business and industry sectors. Business Hunter is a not-for-profit member organisation dedicated to connecting people in business with what they need to succeed.

We have been the voice of business in the Hunter since 1886. Our members are part of a network of more than 2,500 businesses across the region. That network includes members of 20 aligned local chambers across 10 local government areas, stretching from the Mid North Coast to Lake Macquarie and inland to Scone. From main-street retailers to ASX 100 corporates, our member businesses power Australia's strongest regional economy. 

The name Business Hunter was adopted in February 2020 to better reflect the vibrant and diverse businesses the organisation represents. The new name also aligns with our affiliates Business NSW and Business Australia.

Business Hunter has been through a number of name changes; what has never changed is our commitment to helping our members do business better, to drive growth and prosperity in the Hunter region.

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