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The Federal and NSW Governments are delivering a number of programs and resources to support businesses.

Federal Government 

The Federal Governments economic response focuses on keeping Australians in jobs and helping small businesses stay in business.  With 98% of the 32,000 registered businesses classified as small (employing less than 20 staff), there are a range of stimulus and support available to our small business community.  Visit the Australian Government website for businesses to find the latest COVID-19 government financial assistance and support for Australian businesses.  

State Government 

The NSW Government is delivering a program of business support through Service NSW.  Stay informed on what financial assistance is available to you by visiting NSW Services - help for small business. 

Call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or book an appointment with a Service NSW business concierge to discuss how the latest restrictions impact your businesses and available support.  

2022 Small Business Support Program

Offers eligible businesses with an annual turnover of between $75,000 and $50 million, with a decline in turnover of at least 40% during January and early February 2022, payments covering up to 20% of their weekly payroll (maximum $5,000 per week). Applications will open from mid-February. More information will be coming shortly.

Small Business Fees and Charges rebate

If you are a sole trader, the owner of a small business or a not-for-profit organisation in NSW, you may be eligible for a small business fees and charges rebate of $3000.  From 5 July this includes businesses not registered for GST or with annual turnover of below $75,000.

This rebate helps businesses recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and encourages growth by reducing the cost of running a business. Eligible businesses or not-for-profits only need to apply for the rebate once, but can submit multiple claims until the full value of $1500 is reached.

Eligible employing businesses able to use the rebate against the cost of Rapid Antigen Tests from late March 2022.

Funds can be used to offset the costs of eligible NSW and local government fees and charges. These include, but are not limited to: food authority licences, liquor licences, tradesperson licences, event fees, outdoor seating fees, council rates.

Dine and Discover vouchers extended to 30 June 2022 

While restrictions are in place, customers may use vouchers for takeaway delivered directly to their home by venues. Vouchers can't be redeemed for orders via third party delivery platforms, such as Uber Eats.  The NSW Government has extended the Dine & Discover program to 30 June 2022, allowing more time for people to use the vouchers. 

Additional support measures  

  • Payroll tax waivers of 25% will be available to businesses with Australian wages of between $1.2 million and $10 million that have experienced a 30% decline in turnover, as well as payroll tax deferrals and interest-free repayment plans.
  • Land tax relief will be available, equal to the value of rent reductions provided by commercial, retail, and residential landlords to financially distressed tenants, up to 100% of the 2021 land tax year liability.  
  • Extending  the Commercial Landlord Hardship Grant until March 2022 which offers grants of up to $3,000 per month to landlords who pass on rent relief to business tenants.
  • There will be no recovery of security bonds, or lockouts, or evictions of impacted retail and commercial tenants prior to mediation.  
  • There will be a deferral of gaming tax assessments for clubs until 21 December 2021 and hotels until 21 January 2022.
  • A $75 million support package will be available for the performing arts sector to be administered by Create NSW. 
  • The Performing Arts Package will provide funds to eligible performances staged between 19 September 2021 to 30 April 2022, up to a maximum of $12.5 million, to relaunch the performing arts sector.
  • A support package for the accommodation sector worth $26 million will also be available.  

Further details about these support measures, including final guidelines, eligibility criteria, and evidence requirements, will become available on the Service NSW website.   

Customers can register to be notified when COVID-19 financial support programs are available by entering their name and email address in the form available at Service NSW. 

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