Georges River Council

COVID-19: Support for businesses

The Georges River community, along with the rest of Australia, is facing extraordinary challenges due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses in particular have been impacted in many ways including reduced trade, temporary business closures, staffing issues, and supply chain interruptions. Council is working collaboratively to ensure it continues to deliver essential services, provide support to our businesses and community and engage with our community and other tiers of government to work through this pandemic evolve as a thriving city.

This information is general in nature and will be updated in line with government announcements and Council decisions as they occur.

Support for Local Business Fact Sheet

Support for Local Business Fact Sheet Chinese Translation

Council Support

Payment hardship assistance

Council recognises there are residents and business owners who have been adversely affected by COVID-19. Council's Debt Management and Hardship Policy provides payment arrangements such as interest-free extensions and payment plans to ease the burden on residents and businesses experiencing hardship. Visit Hardship Assistance to find out how to apply.

For businesses seeking rates relief who are renting a property, your landlord is required to apply to Council for hardship assistance.
Food business delivery and take-away

Council is supporting food businesses to continue to operate through delivery and take-away. Restaurants that previously had no consent to deliver and take-away can now do so. In addition, Council has relaxed the enforcement of parking to support the collection of take-away and to assist with deliveries.

Promotion of Local Food Businesses
Council has set up a local food business directory highlighting businesses that are open for take-away or delivery, as well as a social media campaign encouraging residents to support their local restaurants and cafes.

All food businesses in Georges River are encouraged to submit their listing by emailing business@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.
Supermarket deliveries 24 hours per day

Georges River Council was one of the first councils to lift the restriction on deliveries on 6 March 2020. This was prior to the NSW Government announcement.
Relaxing fees for food and public health inspections

Council has relaxed fees associated with all food and public health inspections including food trucks and stallholders.

Federal Government Support

The Australian Government is supporting Australian businesses to manage cash flow challenges and retain employees. Assistance includes cash flow support to businesses and temporary measures to provide relief for financially distressed businesses.

Please visit the Federal Business website for information on the following:
• Latest announcements
• The JobKeeper scheme and other support for sole traders, employers and companies
• Government assistance for business

NSW Government Support

Economic Surplus Package

The NSW Government has released an Economic Stimulus Package to support businesses impacted by COVID-19. Support options and resources to help you manage your small business during the crisis and into the recovery phase are outlined on the Service NSW Business Concierge website
NSW Small Business Grants

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to eligible small business owners across NSW. For eligibility criteria and to apply, visit the Service NSW COVID-19 web page .

Resources to Keep Your Business Running

Small Business Concierge

The NSW Small Business Commissioner’s website contains tips and resources to help you manage your small business during the crisis and into the recovery phase.

You can also contact the Service NSW Business Concierge for personalised advice on financial and business support on 13 77 88 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Rent and Lease Enquiries

To seek advice on your obligations under rent and lease arrangements, contact 1300 795 534 to speak to an expert on retail and commercial leases.
Keep Businesses Running

The Keep Businesses Running initiative offers businesses access to technology to support remote working. This program rapidly upskills employees on how they could use cloud platforms, stay connected and leverage basic digital workplace capabilities to cope with the mass exodus of employees to working-from-home scenarios with the looming threat of this converting to mass unemployment.
Business Connect

If you require support on topics such as managing cashflow, changing your business model and delivering services online, marketing your business during in a challenging environment, reassessing your supply chain, or even accessing financial support, the NSW Government's Business Connect offers a free, mobile business advisory service. This service also offers advice in other community languages.

To book a session with your local advisor, visit Business Connect or call 1300 134 359.

Resources to Improve Your Business

TAFE NSW Fee Free Short Courses

TAFE NSW is currently offering a number of fee-free short courses suitable for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Build business resilience by developing stronger administrative skills, enhance the digital impact of your business, improve leadership and refine practical business skills.

For businesses who have employees working remotely, TAFE NSW has also developed 'Working from Home' online courses to help prepare employees such as setting up a safe workspace, scheduling work and managing the home environment. In addition, managers can learn how to lead their dispersed team.

Visit TAFE NSW's website for more information.
Free Online Marketing Consultation

Our partner Realise Business is offering all businesses the opportunity to take up a free online session with one of their three Specialist Small Business Digital Marketing Advisors.

This initiative is funded by the Federal Government to enable businesses to build a strong marketing and digital strategy will keep you ahead of your competitors and on track to a more robust online brand for the future.

To learn more about Digital Business Solutions or to book your advisory session visit the Realise Business Website or call 02 9545 5900.

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