Covid-19 relief funds and other support available for small businesses.

Business concierge service

We’re here to help. We have a dedicated team to answer any questions and steer you in the right direction with either City of Sydney, state or federal government resources available. Call us on 02 9265 9333 Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4pm or email CityConcierge@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.

New NSW Covid-19 business support package

The NSW Government's economic support package is aimed at helping businesses affected by the current Covid-19 lockdown.

Key features include:

• Small business support payments – increased to $7500, $10,500 or $15,000 depending on the decline in business turnover
• JobSaver employee retention scheme – providing cashflow support to businesses to help retain staff
• Grants for microbusinesses – $1500 per fortnight (for businesses with an annual turnover of $30,000 to $75,000) that have suffered at least a 30% decline in turnover
• Payroll tax deferrals for all businesses
• A 25% concession for businesses with Australian wages of $1.2 million to $10 million that have experienced a 30% decline in turnover
• A performing arts sector $75 million support package to be administered by Create NSW
• An accommodation sector $26 million support package.

Help for our retail, hospitality and professional service businesses

The NSW Government offers resources to protect employees and customers from Covid-19. Personalised support or financial relief is available including a $1500 small business fees and charges rebate.

The new Covid-19 support package 2021 includes the small business Covid-19 support grant, the hospitality and tourism Covid-19 support grant, as well as changes to the Dine & Discover program. Eligible businesses include small business, not-for-profits and sole traders.

You can speak directly with Service NSW about state government resources to help you through this latest lockdown. Book a concierge call online.

The Australian Government has also announced more funding and support including JobMaker, apprenticeship support, asset and investment deductions and a small to medium enterprise recovery scheme. Check to see if you’re eligible.

Help for our creative community: arts, screen and cultural sector

A Covid-19 rescue and restart package has been announced for the NSW arts and cultural sector. Funding is available to NSW commercial and not-for-profit performing arts organisations, and live music venues impacted by the cancellation of shows.

Create NSW has a comprehensive listing of links to grants and other financial assistance for creatives. Resources include a live music support package.

Business grant funding applications opening in July

The next City of Sydney grants round opens on 19 July. Grants cover business support, festivals and events, live music and performance, and night-time diversification projects. Funding will be given to projects planned from January 2022. Grant applications close on 23 August.

Our support so far

• 2 Covid-19 relief support packages in 2020 valued at $72.5 million to help the safety and survival of the business, cultural and community sectors.
• Fees waived for footway dining and filming to making doing business easier.
• Fast-tracking $23 million worth of future capital works projects. This included paving upgrades, park and landscape renewals and essential building upgrades.
• Continuing to advocate to government on behalf of local small businesses. We’re reviewing business feedback and available support at a state and federal level to identify any gaps for the City of Sydney to play a supporting role.

Read about other small business resources, programs and support initiatives to help support you and your business through Covid-19.