$1 billion NSW economic support announced

It has been a while since our last Government COVID update, but with case numbers reaching all-time highs in January, the NSW Government has introduced measures to help small businesses through difficulties including staff shortages, isolation periods and access to rapid antigen tests. 

Under the new, long-awaited package, eligible businesses will be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to 20% of weekly payroll for the month of February. Grants will range from $500 to $5000 a week. This is part of an economic support package worth more than $1 billion dollars. 

2022 Small Business Support Program

This program is to help businesses survive the impacts of the Omicron wave.

Eligible businesses with a turnover of between $75,000 and $50 million that experience a minimum 40% decline in turnover in January 2022 – and the first fortnight of February 2022 – can apply for support through this program.

At the time of writing, the comparison period has not been defined and we will update as it becomes available. 

Employing businesses will be eligible to receive 20% of weekly payroll as a lump sum for the month of February, with a minimum payment of $750 per week and a maximum payment of $5000 per week.

Non-employing businesses will receive $500 per week, paid as a lump sum of $2000.

At this stage, the 2022 Small Business Support Program is for the month of February only. 

Applications will open through Service NSW from mid-February. Once you have submitted your application, payments are anticipated to be processed within 5-15 days.

For more information, please click here

Commercial Landlord Hardship Grant Expansion

Grants of up to $3000 per month (GST inclusive) are available for eligible landlords who have provided rental waivers to affected tenants.

This grant has been extended until 13 March 2022, in line with new legislation.

Applications are now open through Service NSW. For more information on COVID-19 support for tenants and landlords, please click here.

Please click here to apply

Expanded Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate

The existing rebate will increase from $2000 to $3000 in late March 2022.

Eligible employing small businesses will be able to use the rebate against the cost of rapid antigen tests (RATs).

Read more about rapid antigen tests for business here

The small business fees and charges rebates can also be used to pay other fees and charges like:

• food authority licences
• liquor licences
• tradesperson licences
• event fees
• outdoor seating fees
• council rates
• road user tolls for business use.

Businesses who have already registered for the rebate will receive an automatic top-up of $1000 and newly registered businesses will receive a rebate of $3000.

Applications via Services NSW are now open -  click here 

Eligible small businesses can claim government fees and charges incurred from 1 March 2021 to 30 June 2022. For the full list of eligible charges, please click here.

To apply, please click here

NSW Performing Arts Relaunch Package

Create NSW will extend the Performing Arts Relaunch Package from 14 February 2022 to 30 April 2022. It will also increase funding to performing artists in NSW.

This package will provide funding to entities and performing artists in NSW that are continuing to be impacted by COVID-19 and are unable to access other financial support.

This includes a one-off grant to Support Act to provide crisis relief to music workers in NSW who can't work due to the impact of COVID-19.

Entities and artists can apply through Create NSW.

To apply via Create NSW, click here

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payments

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payments are available for workers who cannot earn an income due to self-isolation, quarantine or caring for someone with COVID-19. The payment amount varies and claims are to be made using your Centrelink online account through myGov. Please click here for more information on the pandemic leave payment.

For any questions, please get in touch with your Client Director so we can assist you. We will be sure to keep you updated as further information becomes available.