Grants of up to $10,000 approved for bushfire-affected small businesses

Eligible businesses must have experienced a 40 per cent drop in revenue over a three-month period, compared to the previous year, because of the recent bushfires.

"I encourage small businesses that have experienced a decline in revenue due to the recent bushfires to contact Service NSW to apply," MidCoast Council's Paul De Szell said.

"Prior funding has focused primarily on businesses directly impacted by the bushfires, but this grant also provides much needed financial support to those who have been indirectly affected by the bushfires and lost business as a result.

"The application process for this grant has been simplified so eligible small businesses can access funds as quickly as possible. You can do it online in less than five minutes. You can do it from your phone. You don't have to upload documents. And business owners are reporting seeing the cash in their accounts within a couple of days."

The grant may be used for, but is not limited to:

meeting standard business costs, including utilities, salaries and rent

seeking financial advice to support the recovery of the business

adjusting the business to be viable in the changed local context following the bushfires

developing the business and extending business reach through marketing and communications activities, or

improvements to make the business more resilient to future disasters.

To apply for a $10,000 small business grant, call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/business-support-bushfire-impacted-communities/grants-and-loans.

Small businesses who have received assistance under other grants or initiatives may also be eligible for this grant.

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