Simple steps to finding business support

29 April, 2020

The Coronavirus pandemic has brought with it big challenges for business owners.

While there have been many announcements about assistance for businesses through this time, it can be hard to find the information that relates to you.

Gunnedah Shire Council has put together some resources to help business owners find the information they are looking for, whether it is through federal, state or local government assistance.

“We know there are people in our Shire in all sorts of different circumstances,” Gunnedah Shire Council Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle said. “It can be really difficult to navigate through all the COVID-19 information to find the relevant information. We have tried to simplify this by providing the links that will take you where you need to go.

“Council’s own assistance for Gunnedah businesses –has been designed to complement the packages already announced by the state and federal governments – are included in these resources.”

The two simplest ways to find assistance are:

Visit our website and click the main COVID-19 ADVICE banner. At the bottom of that page is a “Resources for Business” button. This includes links to support and funding information, including a link to join Gunnedah Shire Council’s new weekly business newsletter to provide you with updates. Alternatively, see our Gunnedah Shire Business Community Newsletter.

Visit gunnedahshire.localised.com.au/covid19 - this includes links to federal, state and local packages as well as important pieces of information.

COVID-19 Business Support Package

Recently Council announced support for local businesses in the form of a COVID-19 Business Support Package. Details of the Package can be found on here, as is a simple “contact us” option if you are looking for specific information.

To help you to better navigate the Business Support Package, here are some Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I apply for funding through Council's Business Support Package?

A: The package includes a number of measures to support businesses at this time such as fees and charges relief and relief from interest on outstanding rates and charges. Funding will be available through the Business Partner Program for businesses needing support with a website or with diversification projects.

Q: How do I apply for the special COVID-19 round of the Business Partner Program funding?

Applications will open on the Wednesday 6 May, 2020 and close on 29 May, 2020. Guidelines will soon be available on www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Q: How can I access the fee exemptions?

A: There are charges in relation to water and sewer that have been waived for certain commercial businesses. Your May water bill will have information if you are an eligible customer.

Q: Does the Business Support Package include rates support?

A: Gunnedah Shire Council has frozen interest accrual against rates, fees and charges that are currently outstanding or may become outstanding commencing as at 12pm Tuesday 24 March 2020 and to continue for the duration of the period that the Business Continuity Plan is enacted in response to COVID-19. If you are having trouble paying your rates, please do not hesitate to call Council on 02 6740 2100 to discuss options.

Q: Where can I find business advice?

A: Gunnedah Shire Council has a dedicated information page for Business Support during COVID-19. Head to our website and follow to prompts to the COVID-19 Business Support Page www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Q: Are there other business grants that I can access?

A: There are a number of grants that the State and Federal Government have that you may be able to access at gunnedah.grantguru.com.au 

Q: How can I stay informed with updates for my business?

A: Council’s Economic Development team provide regular email updates to our business community. To sign up to the Gunnedah Shire Business Community Newsletter.

ENDS

Media contact: Eliza Gallen (02) 6740 2100.