THE NSW State Government has offered grants for businesses impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown.

This news has been welcomed by Business Port Stephens whose members have seen a sharp decline in trade over the traditionally peak winter school holiday season.

The Small Business COVID-19 Support Grant program will provide most small businesses that have been impacted by the most recent COVID-19 restrictions with short-term financial support to alleviate cash flow constraints while trading is restricted.

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The grant is available to New South Wales ABN businesses and sole traders with a turnover between $75,000 and $1,200,000 and fewer than 20 full time equivalent employees registered in New South Wales.

Details can be found at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au

Micro businesses have been seen to be left out in the cold, with businesses turning over under $75,000 ineligible for the grants.

According to a report issued by the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, one quarter of small businesses in Australia turn over less than $50,000 per annum.

This category of business is often made up of female entrepreneurs seeking flexibility.

The Grattan Institute has found that, “Women are recovering from a ‘triple-whammy’– they were more likely to lose their jobs, more likely to do a lot more unpaid work, and less likely to get government support.

“Women’s jobs were hit harder than men’s during the COVID lockdowns.

“Remote learning and the loss of formal and informal childcare and household support services led to a big rise in unpaid work during the lockdowns.

“This unpaid work was disproportionately borne by women,and many found it impossible to juggle with their existing paid work commitments.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter and Cost of Living Taylor Martin told News Of The Area, “I encourage businesses with an annual turnover of less than $75,000 to contact Service NSW who have specialist staff and can direct them to support they may be unaware of such as the Small Business rebate scheme.

“The Small Business Rebate scheme allows businesses to claim a rebate for any eligible State and local government fees, charges or licenses, including business vehicle registration, due and paid between 1 March 2021 and 30 June 2022 to a total value of $1500,” he said.

Leah Anderson President of Business Port Setephens told News Of The Area, “Whilst it is encouraging to see the NSW government support grants for some businesses impacted by the most recent Covid-19 restrictions, this is not helping all businesses who are struggling and affected.

“Small businesses with a turn-over of less than $75,000 are also hurting, and the only support for them is a $1500 business rebate?

“This is just not fair.

“They too have to put food on the table for their families.

“They too have to pay staff and themselves a wage to pay the rent or their home loan.

“The government needs to provide financial support for all businesses affected.

“Business Port Stephens will advocate for more support for our struggling small business owners,” she said.

By Marian SAMPSON