Eligible NSW businesses and sole traders impacted by the COVID lockdowns can now apply for support with grants of up to $15,000 available with the JobSaver payments – the combined NSW/Federal government funding package to help cover overheads – available for application from July 26.

Businesses can now apply for the grant through Services NSW, while individual employees who have lost wages due to the lockdown need to lodge their own application with Services Australia for the COVID Disaster Payment.

Applications through Services NSW went live yesterday with the site crashing due to massive demand. NSW’s Customer Service Minister, Victor Dominello, says the digital architecture is now in place to deliver funds to bank accounts as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

“We’re receiving unprecedented demand for the 2021 COVID-19 business grant. We’re working through the demand… We assure you that you will not miss out on this grant by returning later. Apologies for the inconvenience,” a statement by Service NSW read.

The NSW Government’s Business Support program means NSW businesses with a turnover of more than $75,000 and up to $50 million and an annual wages bill below $10 million can apply.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said over $4 billion had been directed by the NSW Government to where it is needed most to help families and businesses during this difficult time. 

“We’re committed to keeping businesses in business, and people in jobs which is why we’re providing tax-free grants of between $7,500 and $15,000 to help alleviate some of the economic pressures being faced during the current COVID-19 lockdown,” Perrottet said.

Under the grant, eligible NSW businesses will receive:

• $15,000 for a decline in turnover of 70 per cent, or more;
• $10,500 for a decline in turnover of 50 per cent, or more;
• $7,500 for a decline in turnover of 30 per cent, or more.

Businesses can expect to start receiving funds from the NSW Business Support Grant from the end of July.

JobSaver and Micro Business Support Grants

Applications for the second tranche of assistance, which includes the Micro Business Support Grants and the JobSaver program, will open from Monday July 26.
  
The Micro Business Support Grant will be available for eligible businesses with a turnover of between $30,000 and $75,000 that experience a decline in turnover of 30 per cent or more. Eligible businesses will receive $1,500, tax-free, per fortnight of restrictions.
 
In addition, the joint NSW Government and Commonwealth JobSaver program will help small and medium businesses retain staff.
 
Eligible businesses with a turnover from $75,000 and up to $50 million who maintain their staff headcount will receive tax-free fortnightly payments of 40 per cent of their weekly payroll, with a minimum payment of $1,500 per week, and a maximum payment of $10,000 per week.

Eligible non-employing businesses will receive $1,000 per week. These payments will also be made fortnightly.
 
For more information on the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants visit: www.nsw.gov.au.
 
Support for individuals impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders is available through Services Australia.

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