NSW Government Covid-19 Business Update
If your business has experienced financial decline during the stay at home orders, there are multiple COVID-19 financial support packages available. $2.58 billion has already been paid out from 239,704 financial support applications.
The main support packages include:
Fortnightly payments of up to $100,000 per week for employing businesses and $1000 per week for non-employing businesses, with 30% decline or more.
2021 COVID-19 Micro business grant
A fortnightly payment of $1,500 for businesses with a turnover between $30,000 and $75,000, that can show a revenue decline of 30% or more.
Financial support for workers of $325–$450 for a loss of 8 to 20 hours of work per week, and $500–$750 for a loss of more than 20 hours per week.
Criteria for some of these support packages have changed to allow more businesses access. You can assess the criteria to work out which one is the most relevant for your business.
NSW Government COVID-19 business support video
The NSW Government recently ran a webinar to assist businesses applying for COVID-19 financial support.
The recorded video is now available to view online. It can help you understand what documents you’ll need to support your application, and how to apply for the 2021 COVID-19 business grant, JobSaver payments, 2021 COVID-19 micro-business grant, payroll tax support and tenancy support.
Read the video transcript.
New vaccination requirements for authorised workers
If your business employs authorised workers from LGAs of concern and they work outside their LGA, from Monday 6 September, they will need at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to work.
Rapid antigen testing will no longer be an alternative to getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Employees are not required to follow this rule if they:
are an authorised worker under 16 years old
have a medical exemption.
Priority bookings are available for a COVID-19 vaccine. Employees can book their vaccination appointment by selecting the option below that suits them:
> Authorised workers who live in a LGA of concern
> People aged 16-49 who live in a LGA of concern
> Childcare, disability and food workers who live or work in an LGA of concern
Businesses are no longer required to introduce rapid antigen testing by 6 September.
Free mental health support for your workplace during lockdown
The NSW Government is offering free, one-on-one coaching to support mental health in your workplace.
Topics include how to manage stress, lead change, support teams remotely and where to find tools and resources. Our mental health at work experts will help you create practical solutions that meet your needs.
You can also sign up for free mental health training to create a more supportive workplace. After training, 85% of managers felt more confident to manage workplace mental health.
New check-in card for customers without mobiles
The NSW Government has developed a free COVID-19 check-in card that allows customers, staff and visitors without a mobile to electronically check in to your business.
It’s a printed card with a unique QR code that has the customer’s registered contact details.
When a business scans the QR code on the card, the customer’s contact details automatically update in the Service NSW business online webform.
It’s not mandatory for your business to use this system, but it allows you to easily collect details of your customers that don’t have a mobile phone.
Similar to checking-in, it's the best way for contact tracers to let people know if they have been at a location at the same time as a confirmed case, which helps stop COVID-19 spreading.
Find out how your business can scan a check-in card for your customers.
All businesses must update COVID Safety Plans
Due to the recent introduction of new COVID-19 safety measures across NSW, such as mandatory QR check-ins for more businesses, all COVID Safety Plans have been updated.
If your business is currently operating, you need to update your COVID Safety Plan.
If your business is currently closed, you will need to update your COVID Safety Plan before reopening.
Keep a copy of the plan at your premises, and all staff must follow the latest rules.
Empowering and Supporting Local Communities Grants
Community organisations and local services are best placed to know what their local communities need.
If you are a local community organisation or group, you may be eligible to apply for funding between $10,000 and $30,000 for projects that support vulnerable members of the community.
The grants program aims to increase COVID-19 testing and vaccination rates in affected LGAs and decrease the transmission of COVID-19.
Applications close 5pm, Friday 3 September.