NSW Small Business Bushfire Information Webinar

The NSW Small Business Bushfire Information Webinar took place last Tuesday evening. The below FAQ’s have been put together following the questions that were asked during the webinar. If your question remains unanswered, please contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 who can put you in touch with the relevant department to resolve your query.

FAQ’S

Q: How many hours/sessions can I receive from Business Connect for free?

Currently there is no cap on the number of hours/sessions of free support for businesses who have been affected by bushfires.

Q: Am I eligible for a grant? How is this calculated and when will I receive it?

There are a range of grants and loans that you may be eligible for. We encourage any business who would like to know more to visit our website at www.service.nsw.gov.au or contact our Business Concierge on 13 77 88 to discuss eligibility and application processes.

Detailed eligibility information for grants and loans can also be found at www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/business-support-bushfire-impacted-communities/grants-and-loans

Q: My LGA is not eligible for a grant. What now?

The NSW Government assessed areas that have had severe fire impact and has determined that the listed 17 Local Government Areas are the most impacted. This is due to a combination of the severity of the fire impact, as well as small business exposure to the visitor economy.

You may still be eligible for the grant if your small business is located outside the area but operates part-time or on some regular basis within the defined area.

You may also be eligible for the Bushfire Recovery Grant of up to $50,000, the Bushfire Working Capital Loan of up to $50,000 and the Bushfire Recovery Loan of up to $500,000. Please visit our website at www.service.nsw.gov.auor contact our Business Concierge on 13 77 88 for more information.

Q: Is the webinar available to view online?

The NSW Small Business Bushfire Information Webinar will be uploaded to the Service NSW website next week for your convenience. We will email you again when this becomes available.

Q: Are there any other webinars I can join?

Over 60 free online workshops and webinars are available through Business Connect to support your small businesses to manage cashflow, change your business model, sell goods and services online, market your business in a challenging environment and access financial support.

To view and book a Business Connect webinar, click here.

Business Connect and Business Concierge services continue to be available, including videoconferencing and phone support.

More Information

For information on bushfire support services, please go to www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/bushfire-customer-care-service or call 13 77 88 for assistance.

Black Dog Institute have provided a flyer on breaking down depression & building resilience and Red Cross have also shared a flyer on disaster recovery support.

Further relevant information is also below:

• Bushfire Customer Care: 13 77 88   www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/bushfire-customer-care-service
• Business Advice:    1300 134 359     www.business-connect-register.industry.nsw.gov.au
• Dispute Resolution: 1300 795 534  www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au
• Insurance Council of Australia Register:   disasters.org.au/trades-register
• Register to rebuild affected communities:   procurepoint.nsw.gov.au
• Training opportunities:  13 28 11  www.training.nsw.gov.au

We have attached the slide deck that was presented on the night, a Service NSW Bushfire Business Flyer, a Plan Skills Development Brochure and a fact-sheet on planning changes to assist bushfire affected communities.

SNSW Bushfire Business Flyer
Red Cross Disaster Recovery Support Feb 2020
Planning assistance to help communities recover from NSW bushfires
Plan Skills Development Brochure
NSW Small Business Bushfire Webinar 2020
Breaking down depression & building resilience flyer