By Thomas Oakley-Newell
The NSW Government has announced it will offer small and medium hospitality and retail businesses a grant of up to $20,000 for any loss of perishable stock if forced to close due to public health orders.
The Summer Holiday Stock Guarantee grant is eligible to businesses with an annual turnover between $75,000 and $50m if forced to shut their doors between 1 December 2021 and 31 January 2022.
Businesses are also able to claim $10,000 for reduced capacity to sell non-perishable items if a local lockdown occurs.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said these measures would provide businesses with the confidence to open up and plan for the future.
“Now that we’ve reached the 70 per cent double vaccination target, it’s wonderful to see businesses reopening their doors and welcoming back customers, ” he said.
“These measures will give businesses and workers confidence to purchase stock and invest for the future knowing their doors will remain open as we get our economy firing again.”
Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope also announced businesses would be able to claim road user tolls under the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate, which is being increased from $1500 to $2000.
“The rebate can be used to offset NSW and local government fees and charges and adding tolls to the list of claimable charges is going to make a massive difference to many small business owners who use vehicles for work.”
Businesses affected by public health orders and wishing to apply for the Summer Holiday Stock Guarantee grant can visit the Service NSW website.