Is my business eligible? When and how can I apply? All your questions answered below.
The NSW government has announced a $1 billion support package for businesses that have been impacted by the Omicron wave. The package covers payroll assistance, as well as support with buying rapid antigen tests.
The package is targeted at businesses with a less than $50 million turnover that experienced at least a 40 per cent decline in turnover during January. Around $80 million will also go to the performing arts sector, which has seen ticket sales plummet and shows cancelled.
A top up will also go into the small business fees and charges rebate, increasing the current limit from $2000 to $3000. The rebate will be expanded so it can be used to subsidise the cost of future rapid antigen tests – but it can’t be used retrospectively.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said in a press conference that businesses were tracking "better than expected" during the Omicron wave and some stability was returning to the economy.
Applications open from mid-February and those eligible will be provided with a payment of 20 per cent of weekly payroll, up to $5,000 a week.
You can read more and apply at the Service NSW website.
Photography: Jiwon Kim
