Small businesses and councils affected by the bushfires can now apply for a suite of financial assistance packages thanks to The Nationals in both state and federal governments.
The financial support includes grants of up to $50,000 for small businesses directly affected by bushfire, up to $250,000 to Local Government Areas and; low interest loans of up to $500,000 to eligible small businesses, primary producers and not-for-profits in bushfire impacted council areas.
Thousands of small businesses have been impacted by the recent bushfires both in the disaster-declared areas and in surrounding areas. These financial support measures will provide much needed funds for affected small businesses in the early recovery phase to help them get back on their feet.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said the bushfires had devastated entire communities.
“As we move into the recovery phase, communities are facing unprecedented challenges and there will be many difficult months ahead,” he said.
“These grants and loans are a positive first step to assist bushfire-affected communities to get back on track.”
Financial assistance includes:
- Grants of up to $50,000 are available for eligible small businesses and non-profit organisations with direct damage to their premises, equipment or stock from the bushfires and can help to pay for clean-up and essential repairs, via Service NSW;
- Payments up to $250,000 to Local Government Areas impacted by bushfire for small scale local activities that will kick-start the social and economic recovery of their communities.
- Loans of up to $500,000 specifically designed to provide an immediate injection of money to help return and continue business operations by covering salaries or wages, rent, lease and rates, as well as purchase of goods and services, via NSW Rural Assistance Authority
Funding is provided jointly from the NSW and Commonwealth Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
