New package to support small business during lockdown

On 13 July 2021, the Australian and NSW Governments announced a major economic support package aimed at supporting businesses and individuals through the current COVID-19 lockdown.

The commitment of $5.1 billion includes more than $1 billion from the Commonwealth.

Key components of the 2021 COVID-19 package for businesses include:

• An extension to the previously announced business grants program. This means eligible businesses with Australian wages below $10 million can claim grants between $7,500 and $15,000 to cover the first three-weeks of restrictions. Applications are now closed.

• A “JobSaver” employee retention scheme providing cashflow support to businesses to help them retain staff. The cash boost will be up to 40% of weekly payroll with a payment of between $1,500 to a maximum of $10,000 per week, provided staffing levels are maintained at the level as of 13 July 2021. Non-employing businesses are eligible for $1,000 per week. Applications close on Monday 18th October 11:59pm.

• A new grants program for micro businesses with a turnover of between $30,000 and $75,000 which experience a decline in turnover of 30 per cent. The businesses will be eligible for a $1,500 payment per fortnight of restrictions. Applications close on Monday 18th October 11:59pm.

• Payroll tax waivers of 25 per cent for businesses with Australian wages bills of between $1.2 million and $10 million that have experienced a 30 per cent decline in turnover, as well as payroll tax deferrals and interest free repayment plans. Extended to 14 January 2022.

• Land tax relief equal to the value of rent reductions provided by commercial, retail and residential landlords, up to 100 per cent of the 2021 land tax year liability. Applications close on 31 December 2021.

• A requirement on landlords to participate in mediation before taking actions to evict or lock out tenants. 

• An increase in the payment amount for stood down workers from $500 to $600 per week for those who lost more than 20 hours, and to $375 for those who lost between 8 and 20 hours, and available to workers outside of the Greater Sydney lockdown areas.

• Deferral of gaming tax assessments for clubs until 21 December 2021 and hotels until 21 January 2022.

• A $75 million support package for the performing arts sector to be administered by Create NSW. Applications close 31 December 2021.

• A $26 million support package for the accommodation sector.

• Expanded mental health services with programs targeted at young people and CALD communities.

Further details on the Government’s support package, including eligibility, will be available at COVID business support 2021.

 Support for micro-businesses (including sole traders) and small non-profits

Information current as at 28/07/2021 . Check nsw.gov.au for updates

Support for small to medium businesses (including sole traders) and small non-profits  

 Information current as at 28/07/2021 . Check nsw.gov.au for updates

NSW Government COVID-19 Support Package Summary in Language

Download a PDF of the summary

• COVID-19 Support Package summary: English (PDF, 296.03 KB)

• COVID-19 Support Package summary: Arabic (PDF, 565.92 KB)
• COVID-19 Support Package summary: Chinese simplified (PDF, 537.07 KB)
• COVID-19 Support Package summary: Chinese traditional (PDF, 862.6 KB)
• COVID-19 Support Package summary: Korean (PDF, 563.25 KB)
• COVID-19 Support Package summary: Vietnamese (PDF, 944.27 KB)

To get up-to-date information regarding this matter, visit the NSW Government Public Health Orders page.

Read the latest on what you can do in NSW and see the COVID-19 Safety Plans for businesses, organisations and events.

Square Metres Rule 

For more information on how to apply the square metres rules click here.

Working from home 

What you need to know about working from home and where to get help if you need it.

See the guidance for employees and for employers.

COVID-19 Safety Plans

Your COVID-19 Safety Plan must address the matters required by the approved COVID-19 Safety Checklist.

The plans set out what businesses and organisations need to do to fulfil their obligations under public health orders and minimise risk of transmission of COVID-19 on their premises. 

Complete the relevant COVID-19 Safety Plan for your industry. You need to keep a copy of your plan and provide it when asked to an authorised person. 

Check the COVID-19 Safety Plan that applies to your business for guidance on:

• Get a COVID-19 Safety Plan
• Access you QR code and business resources online
• Update your contact number

If changes have been introduced for your industry since you last prepared a COVID-19 Safety Plan, see the latest version for new requirements.

Learn more about electronic recordkeeping if your business or organisation needs to collect customer details. 

Introducing your local Mobile Business Concierge

The Business Concierge team at Service NSW provides free, personalised support to small business owners as they start, run and grow their businesses, and as they adapt and recover in times of crisis. If you own a small business in the Camden area, your local Mobile Business Concierge can help you find the support you need. 

Look out for Julie Lewis from the Service NSW Mobile Business Concierge team, who will hit the road in Camden, offering a range of support in person on all things small business. Julie can help you navigate government requirements at local, state and federal levels, including applying for grants, licences and permits, understanding government regulations and more.

Julie is based in our community and brings expert local knowledge and connections across our Council, business chambers and other government agencies to work with you one-on-one. She will continue to offer support and answer any questions as your dedicated case manager. 

Julie is currently available via phone or email. Call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit the Service NSW website to request a call-back.. We will update the business community once face to face meetings resume.

Coronavirus information and support for businesses

This is a one-stop-shop from the Australian Government, which includes information regarding:

• Restrictions on services: find out which businesses are impacted by the current restrictions on social gatherings.

• Keeping you and your employees safe.

• Refusing service: find out when you can and cannot refuse service to customers.

• Mental health and wellbeing support for business.

• Cyber threats.

• Taxation for your business.

• Guide to continuing your business: learn steps you can take to help keep your business running during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Pausing or closing your business due to COVID-19.

• Supporting small businesses during coronavirus.

COVID-19 help for small businesses

This is a one-stop-shop by Service NSW for information on support and financial relief for businesses, employees and jobseekers, to help manage the impact of COVID-19. Information includes:

• Personalised business support - request a call from a Business Concierge.

• COVID Safe Check for NSW businesses: develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan specific to your industry, and register so customers know your business is COVID Safe.

• Export assistance grant

• Dine & Discover NSW vouchers

• Changes to business trading

• Fee waivers and tax assistance

• Grants, loans and financial assistance

• Your employees and apprentices

• Mental health and general wellbeing

• Training and education

• Information for primary producers

• General business support

• Events and webinars

• Commercial lease support

• Small business COVID-19 case studies

FAQs for small business owners

The NSW Small Business Commissioner has provided tips and resources to help you manage your small business during the crisis and into the recovery phase. Visit this website if you have the following questions:

• What businesses are restricted from trading?

• My business is experiencing lost trade and cashflow problems – can I get help with my bills?

• What financial support is available from the government?

• What support is available from banks?

• I’m struggling with my rent.

• I need advice on consumer rights (e.g. event cancellations, refunds, delayed orders)

• How can I prepare my business if I get sick?

• What are my employer obligations?

• I need advice on managing employee leave.

• How do I make my business COVID Safe?

• I’m having a dispute.

• I need business advice.

• Who can I speak to about other issues such as red tape?

• I need mental health support.

• Access to free online events and training.

• Other useful business resources.

COVID-19 and mental health at work

It’s important for businesses to provide a mentally healthy work environment, ensuring workers stay physically and mentally healthy during this time.

Information on this page includes:

• Workplace mental ill-health during COVID-19 recovery

• Supporting a changing workplace

• Working remotely, or from home, during COVID-19

• Resources to stay mentally healthy during COVID-19

• Resources for staying mentally healthy when you are out of work

Self-employment - New Business Assistance with NEIS (New Enterprise Incentive Scheme)

Individuals not in employment, education or training who are interested in running their own business may be eligible for New Business Assistance with NEIS. New Business Assistance can help by providing:

• Accredited small business training;

• Help to develop a business plan;

• Personalised mentoring and support form a NEIS provider in the first year of the new business to help the individual put their business idea into practice; and

• NEIS Allowance for up to 39 weeks and NEIS Rental Assistance for up to 26 weeks (if eligible).

My Business Health

My Business Health is an initiative of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. It provides easy access to tools, templates and tips to manage stress and proactively engage with running your business.

Business Connect

Business Connect is a free service that will provide business advice and support on any matter. Advice is provided in six different languages, including English, Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean and Vietnamese.

Food Authority advice for food businesses

Webinars & Training

Training Services NSW

The NSW Government is supporting industries and communities impacted by COVID-19 through funding various training courses such as:

• Health & First Aid

• Job seeking skills

• Personal services / community services

• Plan Skills Development

• Safe work practices

Visit this page for information about eligibility, cost and how to apply. Note that some qualifications are fee-free.

Western Sydney Business Centre

The Western Sydney Business Centre has a range of low cost and free online workshops on fundamental topics for running a small business. There are also specific free seminars related to coping with the COVID-19 crisis. Visit the website for a full calendar of workshops and seminars.

Business Connect webinars

Business Connect has a range of free webinars regarding general business operations. Visit the website for full calendar of workshops and seminars.

AusIndustry webinars

AusIndustry is delivering a 10-part webinar series to help businesses to respond to COVID-19.

ATO free small business webinars

The ATO is offering a range of webinars to assist small businesses.

COVID-19 Infection Control Training

This 30-minute online training module is for health care workers in all settings. It covers the fundamentals of infection prevention and control for COVID-19.

Resources

Prepare your business for disasters in five simple steps

This guide from the NSW Small Business Commissioner outlines a five-step plan to prepare your business for disasters.

Get back to business: a guide for recovering from disaster

This guide from the NSW Small Business Commissioner contains five phases of disaster recovery you would generally expect - from the moment the disaster has hit, to the actions you could take over the days, weeks and months ahead.

As a business owner and employer, you have obligations to keep your place of business, employees and yourself safe during the COVID-19 crisis.

Steps to become a COVID Safe business

To keep workers, visitors and customers safe, and to give them the confidence to keep coming back, businesses and organisations will need to follow health and hygiene requirements designed to keep COVID-19 out of workplaces. These steps include:

1. Complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan

2. Register as a COVID Safe business

3. Show that you're COVID Safe 

COVID-19 Safety Plans

COVID-19 Safety Plans are comprehensive checklists designed by NSW Health and approved by the Chief Health Officer.

The plans provide clear directions on how businesses and organisations should fulfil their obligations under Public Health Orders to minimise risk of transmission of COVID-19 on their premises. 

Guidance for businesses with linked COVID-19 cases

This page provides information on what you need to do if a COVID-19 case has been linked to your business or organisation. Information includes:

• If a business is linked to a COVID-19 case

• Finding out that a COVID-19 case has been linked to your organisation

• What you need to do if a confirmed COVID-19 case has been linked to your organisation

• Cleaning guidance

• Employees returning to work

• Related information

National guide for safe workplaces

This guide is to assist persons conducting a business or undertaking meet their work health and safety duties in relation to COVID-19. This document provides guidance to assist businesses determine how best to manage the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace. It provides a framework that complements and links to the Safe Work Australia detailed COVID-19 Information for workplaces. 

Information for employers

This website contains an information sheet which answers the following FAQs:

• What employers should do to reduce the risk of COVID-19

• Vulnerable employees

• Precautions for cleaning staff

• Can food and water spread coronavirus?

• How can we help prevent the spread of coronavirus?

• Can staff go to work?

• Return to work following quarantine

• Return to work following recovery from COVID-19

• Reducing stigma in the workplace

• Planning considerations

• Support for small business

Coronavirus and Australian workplace law

Fair Work Australia will help you understand your rights and responsibilities at work during the impact of coronavirus. The information on this website provides informaiton on:

• COVID-19 vaccinations and the workplace

• When workplaces shut down quickly because of a lockdown

• Pay, leave and stand downs

• Returning to work and the workplace

• Health and safety in the workplace

• Alternative working arrangements

• Ending employment and redundancy

• Former JobKeeper Scheme

• Changes to workplace laws during coronavirus

• Tools and help during coronavirus

Resolving workplace issues during coronavirus

This page includes information to help employers and employees understand and follow Australian workplace laws, including:

• What you can do to help resolve workplace problems

• COVID-19 vaccinations and workplace problems

• Disputes about directions, requests or certificates under the JobKeeper scheme

• Enforcement of the JobKeeper scheme: what Fair Work Ombudsman can help with

Returning to work and the workplace

As coronavirus restrictions start easing, a number of industries and businesses are starting to operate again. This means that many employers and employees are planning their return to work or to the workplace. Visit this page for information about:

• Changes to restrictions

• Planning the return to work

• Resolving issues when returning to work

• Managing the return to work and the workplace

• Directions to return to work and the workplace

Visit the Returning to the workplace – interactive employer tool to help employers get their businesses back up and running during coronavirus.

The tool gives tailored information to employers on returning to the workplace, scaling up operations and adapting to workplace changes. It can help to find the information you need when:

• Transitioning employees back to the workplace, including lifting a stand down

• Changing employees’ hours, duties or work location

• Introducing alternative working options for staff

• Keeping up to date with changes to workplace laws.

Health and safety in the workplace during coronavirus

Employers and workers need to follow the rules about health and safety in the workplace. Visit this page for information about:

• Workplace health and safety resources

• Safe Work Australia online toolkit

• COVIDSafe app

• Beyond Blue

• Going to work during coronavirus

• Protecting employees and customers during coronavirus

• Work-related travel during coronavirus

Safe Work Australia COVID-19 business resource kit

This website includes a range or resources for business to download and display in their workplaces, including checklists and infographics. The page also includes fact sheets regarding:

• Small business planning tool

• How to keep workers safe

• Workplace checklist

• Working from home: workstation setup guide

• Physical distancing checklist

• Cleaning checklist

• How to clean and disinfect your workplace

• Health, hygiene and facilities checklist

Getting back to work in a COVID safe way

Guidance from the NSW government for businesses, employers and workers to make their workplaces safe. Information includes:

• Complete a COVID Safe Check for your business

• Working from home guidance for employers

• Occupational violence and customer aggression

New package to support NSW Performing Arts during lockdown

Application for the NSW Performing Arts COVID Support Package opened on Friday 23 July 2021.

 The aim of this package is to provide urgent financial support to performing arts venues, producers and promoters impacted by the cancellation or postponement of performances resulting from the NSW Government COVID-19 Public Health Orders from 26 June 2021.

The package is also designed to provide certainty to performing arts venues, producers and promoters of what assistance will be available if further COVID-19 Public Health Orders result in further cancellation of performances or restrictions in audience numbers.

Funding will cover performances impacted by NSW Government Public Health Orders from 26 June 2021 to 30 September 2021.

Apply Now

Arts and Culture Funding Opportunities

 For a complete list of support and information during the Covid-19 pandemic for the cultural and creative sector announced in 2021, visit www.arts.gov.au/covid-19-update

ArtsHub

ArtsHub provides up to date information and news about COVID-19 impact on the arts. Here you will find a comprehensive list of available grant programs including detail on the NSW Government $75 million lockdown relief package for NSW performing arts orgs. Open from 23 July 2021, the funding will be available to NSW commercial and not-for-profit performing arts organisations and live music venues impacted by cancellation of shows.

Create NSW

Create NSW invests in the success and future of arts, screen and culture in NSW through infrastructure and funding programs.

To access information relating to Create NSW and COVID-19 funding by NSW and Federal Government for the arts visit:

• COVID-19 Support - Create NSW
• COVID-19 safety rules and guidance for arts, screen and culture in NSW
• Guidance on NSW Public Health Orders affecting the arts, screen and culture sectors in NSW and how to safely reopen and operate during COVID-19.
• Links are also provided to other helpful websites and material from a range of other sites, including those concerning mental health and crisis management.

 NAVA (National Association for Visual Artists)

COVID-19 Industry Advisory Note is intended for NAVA Members and colleagues in the contemporary arts sector across Australia.

• Guidance materials for COVID-19 & the Workplace
• COVID-19 Support Package – what we know so far
• Advocacy for artists during Covid-19 pandemic

Support Act

Providing wellbeing support for musicians and music industry professionals, Support Act is helping artists and music workers facing hardship to get back on their feet when they have hit a tough patch or just need breathing space. Visit the website to find out about crisis relief and COVID-19 grants.

Support Resources and Information Sharing:

Australia Council

• Offers webinars and podcasts
• Facebook Group: Arts and creative industry: digital support 
• You can contribute to surveys to assist the capture of COVID-19 impact data for performers, crew, venues, events, visual artists and organisations, CALD creatives, the literature sector, media and entertainment, and dance. 

 Create NSW

Create provides links to resources that may assist you to safely manage specific venues and artforms during COVID-19. Please note, current NSW Public Health Orders prevail over any contradictory/conflicting advice in these resources.

• Arts and culture COVID-Safe
• SafeWork Advice for professional performing arts organisations
• COVID-19 resources for the arts and cultural sector
• Create Connects webinars

Ausdance NSW COVID-19 resources

Visit Ausdance NSW for support on:

• Information, advice, and advocacy about dance programs 
• Information about the impact of COVID-19 on the dance sector
• Regulation and guidance notes about delivering dance programs

 Creative Business Plus

Visit Creative Business Plus for information on training and support for those working within the creative and cultural industries, including:

• A range of free resources
• Advice sessions
• Mentoring
• Professional Development
• Webinars
• Workshops

 FBi Radio

To access support for your program and to promote cultural initiatives, register with Fbi radio and list on the In It Together: A COVID-19 Community Relief Directory | FBi Radio.

Stay Well, SUPPORTACT

Feeling pressured or challenged you can access the wellbeing helpline https://supportact.org.au/get-help/wellbeing-helpline/

Arts and Culture COVID-Safe:

• Stay up-to-date with informationon NSW Government COVID-19 portal
• Stay up-to-date with information on COVID-19 in New South Wales via the NSW Health website.
• For information on workplace safety, please visit SafeWork.

Construction sites in NSW can operate

From 11 August 2021, construction is permitted in Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour, with 50% of workers allowed on site.

Construction rules and restrictions

The NSW Government website provides resources and guidance relating to construction rules and restrictions, including:

• Rules for construction sites

• Local government areas of concern

• Workers permitted at construction sites

• Compulsory COVID-19 Safety Plan

• COVID-19 vaccinations and testing requirements 

Infrastructure NSW

Infrastructure NSW (iNSW) is leading cross-agency communication, monitoring and reporting of infrastructure-related COVID-19 impacts to ensure industry, unions and government receive consistent and factual information.

Visit the iNSW website for these frequently asked questions: 

• Who is permitted to work on a construction site in Greater Sydney?

• How many people are permitted to work on a construction site in Greater Sydney?

• What are the vaccination conditions?

• What evidence of meeting the vaccination conditions is required?

• What are the mandatory surveillance testing requirements for construction workers?

• Who is responsible for implementing the COVID-19 Safety Plan on sites?

• What penalties will be imposed for non-compliance to COVID-19 Safety Plans?

• Can work take place on a construction site in regional NSW?

• Will the new conditions apply to renovations in occupied residential premises?

The response to COVID-19 is constantly evolving and iNSW is committed to providing clear leadership and information to industry based on the current health advice and relevant Public Health Orders. More information can be found on the iNSW website.

Occupied Premises

The NSW Government has provided a comprehensive summary of changes to the Occupied Premises Restrictions which is effective from 16 August 2021.
Occupied Premises Summary

Services and financial support from Government

• 2021 COVID-19 Support Package: The NSW Government has a number of support measures and tax relief to help business and people across the state who have been impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions

• Safe Work Australia COVID-19 vaccination information for the construction industry

• Australian Building & Construction Commission: The ABCC is available to assist the building and construction industry with COVID-19 enquiries. The ABCC Hotline (1800 003 338) operates from 7am-6pm (AEST). Call for immediate advice and assistance.

NSW Government Support for the Construction Industry in Language

Download a PDF of the construction industry summary: