If your business has been adversely impacted by the recent lockdown in NSW, support is now available/coming. The lockdown support guide for Victoria is currently being prepared.
What lockdown support is available to business?
The NSW and Federal Governments have announced a series of new measures to support business during extended lockdowns of four weeks or more.
- Up to $15,000 through the expanded NSW 2021 COVID-19 business grants program
- Up to $10,000 cashflow support per week
- NSW micro business grants
- NSW payroll tax deferrals and a 25% payroll tax waiver
- NSW Rent protections and grants
- NSW Sector support for the arts and accommodation sector
You can streamline the process of applying for business support by ensuring:
- Your business and contact details are up to date on the Australian Business Register
- Your personal and business details are up to date and you have a MyServiceNSW account with a business profile
2021 COVID-19 Business Grant of up to $15,000
The previously announced small business grants have been increased to up to $15,000 and expanded to eligible businesses (including not-for-profits and sole traders) with annual wages of up to $10 million.
The value of the grant is determined by the impact of the lockdown on your turnover. Your business will need to prove a decline in turnover across a minimum 2 week period after the commencement of the major restrictions.
| Decline in turnover | Grant |
| 70%+ | $15,000 |
| 50% or more | $10,500 |
| 30% or more | $7,500 |
Eligibility
The 2021 COVID-19 business grant is available if you:
- Have an active ABN; and
- Can demonstrate that your business was operating in NSW as at 1 June 2021; and
- Have had total annual Australian wages of $10m or less as at 1 July 2020; and
- Have had an aggregated annual turnover between $75,000 and $50m (inclusive) for the year ended 30 June 2020; and
- Have business costs for which there is no other government support available; and
- Maintain employee headcount as at 13 July 2021; and
- Have experienced a decline in turnover of at least 30% over a minimum 2-week period from 26 June 2021 to 26 July 2021, compared to the same period in 2019.
Businesses that are not able to meet all the eligibility criteria can still potentially qualify for the grant, but will need to contact ServiceNSW to discuss the situation before applying.
Businesses and not-for-profit organisations on the NSW border with Victoria impacted by the lockdown orders that began on 27 May 2021 may use a different comparison period to demonstrate a decline in turnover. For each of the 3 grant amounts, these businesses must demonstrate a decline in turnover over a minimum 2-week period from 27 May 2021 to 26 July 2021.
Non-employing businesses are not eligible to apply if persons associated with the business, and who derive income from it, have applied for, or are receiving, the Commonwealth COVID-19 Disaster Payment.
How to apply
Applications are NOW OPEN through ServiceNSW
JobSaver
Fortnightly payments to help maintain employee headcount (as at 13 July) and provide cashflow support to businesses.
How much
- Employing businesses: 40% of weekly payroll, with a minimum payment of $1,500 per week and a maximum payment of $10,000 per week.
- Non-employing business: $1,000 per week
Eligibility
- A revenue decline of 30% or more.
- Turnover between $75,000 and $50 million.
Applications open late July. Get notified about financial support.
COVID-19 micro business grant
A fortnightly payment for businesses with a turnover between $30,000 and $75,000.
How much
- $1,500 per fortnight
Eligibility
- A turnover between $30,000 and $75,000.
- A revenue decline of 30% or more.
- Businesses that provide the primary income source for a person associated with the business.
Applications open late July. Get notified about financial support.
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