Below is an outline of what we’re doing and how businesses can access relief funds. Share this information with all the businesses and art enterprises you know.

We want to help as many people as possible.

Relief grants

We’ve released an extra $2 million in small business grants for this financial year. You can apply for these now. For-profit arts enterprises, you can apply for these too.

The grants complement state and federal funding. Each grant is $10,000 and you can use the money for:

• costs for with changing your business model, such as buying new packaging or leasing new equipment
• developing online and e-commerce capabilities
• training and professional development
• investing in capital works.

Business concierge service

We have a dedicated team to help you through the grant process and provide tips for a successful application.

Call us on 02 9265 9333 Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4pm or email CityConcierge@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.

Waiving fees and rent reviews

Here are some of the fee and rent benefits we’re offering:

• waived rent for our accommodation grants tenants on a case-by-case basis
• rent reviews for all commercial tenants in City of Sydney buildings
• waived fees for health and building compliance activities
• waived standard contract terms and return booking and banner fees to people who have booked our venues and banners who are unable to proceed with their bookings
• waived market permit and filming fees on the grounds of hardship
• less stringent parking policing

Policy changes

• We are making it easier for businesses to expand their outdoor dining areas and increase or introduce take away food options to allow for social distancing.
• We only enforce rules when there is an imminent public, environmental, health or safety risk.
• We allow supermarkets and other stores to operate their loading docks 24 hours a day to deliver essential goods.

Fast-tracking capital works projects

To help stimulate job opportunities, we’re fast tracking $23 million worth of future capital works projects. We’ll expedite paving upgrades, park and landscape renewals and essential building upgrades.

Together we will get through these strange times.

If you have any questions, please call us on 02 9265 9333 or email CityConcierge@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.

Like you, we’re adapting to the pandemic day by day and we’re keen to help our community bind and rise to every challenge.

Meet some of our team who will be taking calls, assessing grants and helping behind the scenes:

Embedded content: https://cityofsydney.wistia.com/medias/x44pgxjay0

Find other useful relief and support initiatives available for small businesses to help support you and your business through Covid-19.