Council is working collaboratively to ensure local businesses and economy to recover and evolve as a thriving city as soon as possible.
COVID-19 information for small businesses
To deal with the public health risk of COVID-19 and its possible consequences, the Minister for Health and Medical Research has made a number of Orders, under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010. Orders can be amended frequently.
For the most up to date orders, and the history of each order, visit NSW Legislation - COVID-19 related legislation.
For help in understanding the public health orders, refer to NSW Government websites below.
Council Support
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.
NSW Government Support
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.
Preparing COVID-19 Safe Business Plans
Resources to Keep Your Business Running
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>Small Business Concierge
Service NSW offers all small businesses in NSW a free concierge service to help you manage your business.
For a one on one session with your business concierge please visit the
business concierge bookings page.
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>Small Business Commissioner
NSW Small Business Commissioner is an independent body that advocates for small businesses across the State. They can help resolve issues for small business by providing strategic advice and support through alternate dispute resolution and mediation services.
Please access the small business commissioner page for further resources and assistance.
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>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.
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>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.
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>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.
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>Face Masks
Wear a mask if it is hard to maintain 1.5 metres of physical distance from others. Also wear a mask if you have symptoms and are seeking medical advice, or if you are in isolation in the same room as another person.
For more information on wearing face masks, view the
NSW Government website.
Resources to Improve Your Business
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