Business Chief Welcomes Expanded Small Business Relief

The Hunter’s leading voice for business, Business Hunter wants small businesses right across the region to be aware that the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate Scheme is being extended from today.

Business Hunter CEO, Bob Hawes said that eligible sole traders, not-for-profit organisations and small businesses in NSW will be able to access an additional $500 on top of the existing $1,500 in rebates available to them as extended relief to help them bounce back and get the economy firing again.  

“The NSW Treasurer and Minister for Small Business have listened to our calls for further support for those businesses in the community who have been doing it the toughest over the past two years,” Mr Hawes said.

“Having access to up to $2,000 in rebates for the niggling overheads in the cost of doing business will be welcomed by most, I’d say.”

Key points for business:

• Up to $2,000 can be claimed against eligible NSW and local government fees and charges such as food authority licences, liquor licences, event fees and council rates;
• The funding is targeting sole traders and small operator;
• Hunter operators needing to travel across the toll road network in Greater Sydney for business will be able to claim their toll fees under this Scheme;
• Once approved, businesses will be provided with a $2,000 digital voucher in their Service NSW Business Profile which applicants can draw down on to offset the cost of Government expenses.
• Businesses will then need to lodge proof of payment and the money will be refunded back into your bank account;
• Small businesses which have already registered for the previous $1,500 Small Business Rebate program will not be required to re-register. Those businesses will receive an automatic $500 top-up to the digital voucher. New applicants will receive one $2,000 digital voucher. 
• Applications for the rebate from new businesses will open Friday 10 December and claims can be submitted as soon as applications are approved.

“We know many businesses are struggling to move that bottom line back up into the black at the moment, so I would encourage all small business owners to grab a hold of any support you can. Every bit counts right now,” Mr Hawes said.

“I also want to emphasise that the community can do their bit to support all the small businesses who are accepting Dine and Discover Vouchers – a top up of vouchers would have hit Service NSW profiles by now – so get out, get dining and get discovering right up to June 2022.”

For more information on how to apply, visit www.nsw.gov.au  .