COVID support for small businesses and residents

Do you know what grants and opportunities are out there to support your small business? Residents can also get on board with incentives to boost our local economy.

After the last couple of years our small businesses and local economy has really felt the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now restrictions are easing there are a lot of grants, incentives and opportunities for businesses and individuals to support our local economy on this road to recovery. These include: 

• Accommodation Support Grants for accommodation providers who have experienced cancellations between 25 – 11 July 2021. Visit Service NSW website for more information. 

• Fees and charges rebate that offers a rebate worth $1,500 to help cover the costs of paying for government fees and charges. Visit Service NSW website. 

• Dine and Discover vouchers are back! Four vouchers, worth $25 each, are available to every NSW resident aged 18 and over to be used at restaurants, cafes, bars, wineries, pubs and clubs, takeaway meals, entertainment and recreation. Vouchers are valid until June 2022. Follow the link to Service NSW for more information. 

• The NSW Government's Stay & Rediscover voucher scheme supports accommodation providers in NSW. NSW residents aged 18 and over will be able to apply for 1 x $50 voucher to use towards the cost of accommodation bookings. Visit Service NSW. 

• Alfresco Restart package which is a $5,000 grant for 5,000 hospitality businesses to use towards outdoor dining for food and beverage businesses. It is first in best dressed so watch this space on the Service NSW website. 

• If your business or not for profit organisation is not eligible for 2021 COVID-19 grants you may still be able to access financial support by submitting your details to the COVID-19 business hardship review panel. Visit the Service NSW website for more information.

If business owners are experiencing financial stress, they are encouraged to get in contact with Warrumbungle Shire’s dedicated representative from the Rural Financial Counselling Service, Philip Small. This is a confidential service to assist businesses with their financial position and provide options for a road to recovery. For more information email philip@rfcsnsw.com.au

If you are unsure about eligibility or would like to be added to an email distribution list to receive notifications about small business opportunities, get in touch with Council’s Manager Economic Development and Tourism, Jo Houghton on (02) 6849 2000. 

Last Updated: 16 Nov 2021