The NSW Government has announced the 2022 Small Business Support Program to help businesses survive the impacts of the Omicron COVID-19 strain and maintain their employee headcount.
A business or not-for-profit organisation may be eligible to apply for a payment under this program if they have:
- A turnover between $75,000 and $50 million (inclusive) in either financial year ended 30 June 2021 or 30 June 2020; and
- experienced a decline in turnover of 40% or more due to public health orders or the impacts of Omicron during the month of January 2022, compared to January 2021 or January 2020; and
- experienced a decline in turnover of 40% or more due to the impacts of Omicron from 1 to 14 February 2022, compared to the same fortnight in February in the comparison year used above; and
- maintained their employee headcount as of 30 January 2022.
How much is the payment:
- Eligible businesses and not-for-profit organisations will receive 20% of weekly payroll as a lump sum for the month of February, with a minimum payment of $750 per week up to a maximum payment of $5,000 per week.
- Eligible non-employing businesses (i.e. Sole trader) will receive $500 per week, paid as a lump sum of $2,000.
The 2022 Small Business Support Program is for the 4 week period of February only.
What’s next and How to apply:
- Applications have just opened and close after 11:59pm on 31 March 2022.
- Complete an online application form through the Service NSW website. https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-2022-small-business-support-program
- The evidence requirements are outlined in link below, those requiring an Accountant letter and certification will incur a $165 fee to cover the time.
- Payments will be made in one lump sum covering the four weeks in February 2022.
- Businesses must notify Service NSW if they are not maintaining their employee headcount in accordance with these guidelines.
