Small Business Flood Grant Open

Small businesses and not-for-profit organisations, affected by the June-July severe flooding and storms can now apply for up to $50,000 in support through Services NSW.

President of the Australiana Pioneer Village, Kevin Weeks said repairs to the Village following previous flood events had been costly, but the group had managed to successfully apply for government grants to help and would be doing so again.

“We got a grant last year and we have one coming for March this year,” Mr Weeks said.

“We will probably be eligible for another grant for this event.

“The grants are usually around $50,000.

“We have to pay for everything and then hand in the receipts to be reimbursed.

“We’ve had a lot of work done through the Hawkesbury Council and through our business partners in the Hawkesbury.”

Fortunately, the only expenditure when The Village is closed is for electricity and water used.

Member for Hawkesbury, Robyn Preston MP said the grant would provide a much-needed lifeline to small businesses who have been hard hit by the floods across the 37 natural disaster-declared local government areas.

“These floods have had a devastating impact on our community and we are doing everything we can to ensure businesses and not-for-profits get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” Ms Preston said.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our local community and this package is designed to provide immediate support to help business owners recover and keep their business going.

“Customer care specialists are available to assist if customers are having difficulty providing the necessary documentation or are not sure if they are eligible and successful applicants should expect to see funds in their accounts within five business days of approval.

Ms Preston said the grant was jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments and may go towards clean-up, repairs, restocking and reopening.

“Payments of up to $50,000 can go towards the cost of safety inspections, building repairs, cleaning equipment, materials needed to resume trade, disposing of debris and spoiled stock or leasing temporary space,” Ms Preston said.

“Some small businesses have been impacted by flooding four times in 18 months, which is why we’re making sure the application process is as straightforward as possible so that support can flow quickly.”

Make sure you are eligible to apply because fraudulent applications won’t be tolerated.

As evidenced during the financial flood support made available by the State government earlier this year, fraud wastes valuable assessment time and delays the time it takes to pay eligible applicants who genuinely need assistance.

You can check your eligibility for the June and July Storm and Flood Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant at the Service NSW website.

Businesses that would like to be connected with support can register for a call back from Service NSW’s business concierge here, or call 13 77 88 for assistance.

• Topics:

• Floods
• Grant / Funding