FOR businesses like the Great Aussie Bush Camp at Tea Gardens, COVID-19 has hit hard.

It’s not just the kids that have missed out on excursions and overnight camps, it’s the staff at the venues that provide experiences that create memories which stay with school students through their lives.

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Now businesses impacted by school COVID safety measures in late 2021 have access to a grant program to help them get back on track for 2022.

The $14 million grant program will be available to businesses whose services schools were restricted from accessing in Term 4 of 2021.

The restrictions primarily impacted overnight camp providers and music education instructors and services.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the grants will support sectors that rely almost entirely on schools for income and provide a crucial educational experience for students.

“The grants will provide eligible businesses and not for profit organisations one-off payments equal to 40 per cent of their decline in Term 4 2021 turnover compared to previous years, up to $15,000,” Mr Kean said.

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the grants would help organisations restart and refocus on delivering quality programs for NSW school students.

“I know just how hard the pandemic has hit small business, and for those offering camps and some music programs, their recovery is just beginning as schools return under new COVID-smart settings,” Ms Mitchell said.

Guidelines for the grants will be available in February, with businesses expected to apply for grants in April through their Service NSW for Business profile.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the application process would mirror existing business grant programs to deliver a consistent customer experience and help ensure eligible businesses received support quickly.

“We want to make the process as simple and seamless as possible,” Mr Dominello said.

“Almost 500,000 businesses have Service NSW for Business profiles and we can reuse existing proof of identity and business information to help make the application process quick and easy for business customers.”

The best news for school students is that school camps and all music programs can start again from Term 1, 2022.

By Marian SAMPSON