Small businesses across the Hunter can breathe a sigh of relief as the NSW Government has announced a new grants program to help them recover from the COVID-19 shutdown.
Under the new Small Business Recovery Grant, small businesses will be able to apply for funding up to $3,000.
Hunter Business Chamber Chief Executive Bob Hawes said the cashflow boost would provide a jump start for small businesses that had stalled during the pandemic.
“Small business is the engine room of our state economy and a lot of business owners and operators have been doing it really tough through COVID, many having already been weakened by the bushfires and drought,” Mr Hawes said.
“Many have had to lay off staff and are struggling to just survive. This support from the NSW Government will help as they ramp up their operations following hibernation.
“The Chamber, with our statewide affiliate Business NSW, will be encouraging member businesses to apply for the Small Business Recovery Grant when applications open on July 1.”
The grants can be used to cover marketing and advertising expenses, make fit-out changes and train staff in how to work safely under the current COVID-19 health conditions.
The funds are available from the existing $750 million Small Business Support Fund, which closes on Tuesday 30 June.
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the new grants signalled a move from business survival to business revival.
“The existing grant program has proven very popular, with around 35,000 businesses receiving relief to cover expenses such as rates and phone bills,” Mr Dominello said.
“Applying for this new grant will be simple and easy, so businesses can focus on reopening safely and welcoming back customers.”
Applications will open on the Service NSW website from Wednesday 1 July until Sunday 16 August.
Go to the NSW Government’s website for more information.
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