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