SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES WHO ‘SLIP THROUGH THE CRACKS’ A WELCOME MOVE
6 October 2021
The region’s peak business organisation, Business Illawarra, believes a new hardship panel established by the NSW Government to consider financial support for small businesses will be embraced by businesses across the State.
The panel will consider on a case by case basis those businesses that don’t qualify for any of the current hardship packages being offered by the State Government.
“This is an important initiative and one Business Illawarra is more than happy to support,” said Business Illawarra Executive Director Adam Zarth.
“There is concern amongst the business community that some may ‘fall through the cracks’ when it comes to the support packages,” Mr Zarth said.
“Establishing a panel to assess each case that doesn’t automatically fit the criteria will give business more confidence to put their case forward.”
“The pandemic has shown that different industries have been impacted in different ways, and different parts of the state have been impacted at different times.”
“The Panel, which is to be made up of representatives from Revenue NSW, Treasury, and Service NSW, will be able to take a holistic view of the specific circumstances of each individual application.”
“As parts of the state prepare to re-open next Monday, it’s important to understand that not all industries and regions will bounce back immediately, especially those that rely on international visitors for much of their business.”
“The Government has shown it will engage with businesses who have had a grant application rejected or thought the process too difficult. The message is clear: ask the question as you may find there is support available to you,” Mr Zarth said.
Find more information and to apply for a hardship grant here.