On 3 April 2020, the New South Wales (NSW) State Government announced a one-off $10,000 emergency cash grant for small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

The State Government is offering grants to small businesses and not-for-profit entities that have suffered significant declines in revenue as a result of COVID-19 to support their ongoing operations following the NSW Public Health Order of 31 March 2020. 

The cash grant will be available to help cover a business’ unavoidable ongoing or outstanding operating costs working in tandem with the Federal Government’s stimulus measures.

In order to be eligible, the small business must: small businesses

  • Be based in NSW
  • Be a small business per the guidelines available here
  • Be registered with an ABN as at 1 March 2020
  • Have an annual turnover of more than $75,000
  • Employ 1-19 full-time workers as at 1 March 2020
  • Have group Australian wages below the NSW 2019-2020 payroll tax threshold of $900,000
  • Have been highly impacted by Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020 effective on 31 March 2020
  • Have experienced at least 75% decline in turnover compared to the same two-week period in 2019, as a result of COVID-19 (for businesses that have been in operation for less than 12 months, refer to the guidelines)
  • Have unavoidable business costs not otherwise the subject of other NSW and Commonwealth Government financial assistance measures.

Small businesses not in one of the highly impacted industries, but which can demonstrate a significant disruption to its business resulting in a 75% reduction in turnover as a result of the Public Health Order 2020, may be eligible for this grant.  There are further information requirements for such businesses, per the guidelines.​

Applications can be made at https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-small-business-covid-19-support-grant