On Saturday 15 August, the NSW Governement announced the extension of the $3,000 small business recovery grant.
James Oxenham HRIA and EWPA CEO said “We were disappointed that our industry had not been included in the original funding for this NSW Small Business Grant. However, we thank the NSW Small Business Commissioner for listening to the HRIA, and including our members as a part of the expansion of the program.”
18 industry sectors were also added to the eligibility criteria, specifically naming both the following industries of interest HRIA members:
- Other Goods and Equipment Rental and Hiring not elsewhere classified
- Other Motor Vehicle and Transport Equipment Rental and Hiring
The deadline for grant applications has been extended to 31 August 2020 with 18 additional highly impacted industries soon able to apply for the $3,000 Small Business Recovery Grant.
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the grants, funded from the $750 million Small Business Support Fund, would help small businesses highly impacted by COVID-19.
“We know small businesses have been doing it tough and these grants are designed to help them at a critical time,” Mr Tudehope said.
“By broadening the number of industries that can apply, we are giving more small businesses the opportunity to access the support they need to relaunch their operation, ensure their business is COVID-safe and welcome back customers and clients.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said more than 29,000 applications have already been received from small businesses and more than $71 million has been paid out since the grants opened on 1 July 2020.
“It’s important we continue to support the economic recovery and we know our support measures are playing a vital role in keeping people in jobs and businesses in business as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Perrottet said.
“This grant follows the success of the Small Business Support Fund grant, which closed on 30 June 2020 with more than $500 million paid to more than 50,000 businesses helping owners pay for unavoidable expenses.”
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the Small Business Recovery Grant is part of the NSW Government’s more than $15 billion COVID-19 stimulus support measures.
“The Small Business Recovery Grant provides between $500 and $3,000 for expenses to get enterprises back to business, including for marketing and advertising expenses,
fit-out changes and training staff on how to work safely under the current health conditions,” Mr Dominello said.
“These grants are a much-needed boost for small businesses who are dealing with unprecedented challenges as we all continue to adjust to the four-square-metre economy.”
Of the applicants who have already applied for the $3,000 grant:
- 25 per cent are from the food and beverage services industry
- 17 per cent are from the personal services industry.
Applicant’s common uses of the grant include:
- 19 per cent using it for marketing communications and advertising
- 18 per cent using it for cleaning products and services
- 14 per cent using it for business advice and continuity planning.
The Small Business Recovery Grant can only be used for expenses from 1 July and where no other Government support is available.
More information on the Small Business Recovery Grant is available here. Small business owners can contact Service NSW for more information about eligibility on 13 77 88.
Any other questions, members can also contact the HRIA National Office.