COVID-19 – ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

The last few years have been an extremely tough time in small business. First drought, and now the debilitating effects of COVID-19 shut downs.

Gwydir Shire Council are working with small businesses throughout the Shire to ensure that they are aware of the current assistance available through the state and federal government, and are encouraging businesses to visit the Services NSW website www.service.nsw.gov.au to see what assistance is applicable to their situation.

“The site is an invaluable resource of up-to-date information to help small business,” said Georgia Standerwick, The Marketing and Promotions Team Leader for Gwydir Shire Council. “The resources include a business concierge to assist businesses navigate COVID regulations, financial stimulus packages and small business support grants” said Ms Standerwick.

Some of the key assistance on offer includes the $10,000 support payment, a financial stimulus package and the job seeker payment. If your small business or non-profit organisation has experienced a significant decline in revenue as a result of COVID-19, you may be eligible for the small business support grant of up to $10,000.

This grant supports the ongoing operations of small businesses highly impacted from the COVID-19 pandemic following the NSW Public Health Order of 31 March 2020. Funds may only be used for unavoidable business expenses that are not supported by other government funding.

Small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 and employ workers can also register to receive the JobKeeper subsidy. This payment from the federal government is a subsidy to business owners that enables them to keep paying their workers even when revenue has declined.

The NSW Government has also announced a stimulus package that includes payroll tax changes and licence, registration and permit fees waivers for certain businesses such as bars, pubs and clubs, contractors, trades or specialist contractors.

Gwydir Shire Council are working on two additional strategies to assist businesses – The Why Leave Town gift card promotion, and providing access to free social media and marketing training for every business in the shire.

The Why Leave Town gift card is as the name states, a gift card program that encourages people to shop locally.  Cards are purchased and loaded locally, with funds spent at businesses participating in the local area.

Based and founded in Narrabri NSW, the program now has over 37 participating communities across Australia. The Gwydir Shire Program is fully funded by Gwydir Shire Council and is FREE for businesses to participate.

All businesses need to do to be a part of the program is sign up via the Why Leave Town website at www.whyleavetown.com/register  or download a fact sheet here WLT Gwydir

The gift card program is also being used as a way of distributing drought aid funding to community members throughout the shire, and to reimburse Gwydir Swimming Pool season ticket holders for free heat day concessions.

The second initiative is a free, three-part online course providing every business in the shire with the opportunity to improve their marketing and communications skills during COVID-19 and beyond.

Themes covered include – Optimising your online presence on Google, your website, online reputation and social media. – Creating quality content and leveraging user generated content – Developing compelling experiences, packages and campaigns.

While live online sessions are conducted each week, these sessions will also be recorded so businesses can access the content at a time that is convenient to them.

As additional support, Council staff will be on hand to assist if businesses have questions about the material covered. For more information about the course download a copy of the flyer Tourism Tribe e-flyer. The course commences on Tuesday 5th May so be sure to register as soon as possible to secure your place.

For more information on any of the assistance or initiatives call Georgia Standerwick on 0409 901 540.