Northern Beaches small business hardship grant
Back in February 2021, The Minster of Finance and Small Business, Damien Tudehope announced a new Hardship Grant to assist small businesses on the Northern Beaches who felt the impact of the Christmas 20/21 lock down. These grants will be offered to businesses who have experienced a significant hardship as a direct result of the COVID-19 Christmas lockdowns.
Small Businesses and not-for-profits located on the Northern Beaches, Sydney, who were directly impacted by the Public Health (COVID-19 Northern Beaches) Order 2020, may be eligible for a one-off hardship grant payment of either $3,000 or $5,000.
As a result of the Northern Beaches Public Health Order, various restrictions on movements, gatherings and opening of some businesses were enforced.
The grant is aimed at aimed to provide support to local businesses as they rebuild and recover from impacts over Christmas. The payments received by eligible businesses can be used for the following:
unavoidable business operating expenses, such as utilities or rent
financial, legal or other advice to support business continuity planning
marketing and communications activities
other activities to support the operation of the business.
This grant cannot be used to cover expenses for which other government support is available, such as wages for workers who are eligible for JobKeeper.
Applications open on 30th April 2021 and close at 11:59pm on 11 June 2021
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for a grant, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations must:
have an Australian Business Number (ABN) that is registered in the Northern Beaches Local Government Area (LGA), or be able to demonstrate the business is physically located and primarily operating in the Northern Beaches LGA as at 1 December 2020
be non-employing or employ fewer than 20 full-time equivalent workers
have total Australian wages below the NSW Government 2020-21 payroll tax threshold of $1.2 million as at 1 July 2020
have an annual turnover of more than $75,000 as at 1 March 2020
have had unavoidable business costs during the Northern Beaches Public Health Order, for which there is no other government support available.
To be eligible for the $3000 grant, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations must also:
have experienced at least 30% decline in turnover due to the Northern Beaches Public Health Order over a minimum 2-week period from 19 December 2020 to 10 February 2021 compared to the corresponding period a year earlier.
To be eligible for the $5000 grant, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations must also:
have experienced at least 50% decline in turnover due to the Northern Beaches Public Health Order over a minimum 2-week period from 19 December 2020 to 10 February 2021 compared to the corresponding period a year earlier.
What you need
your proof of identity
your valid ABN/ACN number
your business banking details for payment
a relevant Business Activity Statement (BAS).
You will need to provide a declaration that you meet the eligibility criteria, including at least a 30% or 50% decline in turnover from 19 December 2020 to 10 February 2021 compared to the corresponding period a year earlier.
In addition, you may be requested to provide a letter by a qualified accountant, registered tax agent or registered BAS agent who is independent from your business, confirming your eligibility requirements.
If your business is physically located and operating in the Northern Beaches LGA, but your ABN is registered outside of the area, you will need to provide evidence of eligible business premises and activities, such as rates notices or lease agreements.
Where a small business does not submit a BAS to the ATO but do meet all other criteria, the small business should contact Service NSW to discuss further. In these cases, an income tax declaration may be accepted as evidence of an annual turnover of $75,000.
By applying for the Grant, applicants agree that their application may be subject to an audit by the NSW Government or its representatives and agree to participate in the process if required.
Full Northern Beaches Hardship Grant guidelines and T&C’s can be found here.
Applications for this grant open on 30th April 2021 and will close on 11th June 2021.
If you would like to determine your eligibility or discuss this grant further, please contact your Mair Mansfield team on 02 9907 3488.