$10,000 BUSHFIRE GRANTS FOR SMALL BUSINESS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ADDITIONAL LGA

Bushfire-affected small businesses in the Upper Lachlan will benefit from a game-changing boost, following the expansion of the highly successful $10,000 grant scheme.

The $10,000 grants, launched in March, have provided much-needed support for LGAs identified as being severely impacted by the 2019/2020 bushfires thanks to joint funding from the Australian and NSW Governments.  

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said the NSW Government continues to stand by regional businesses hit by the bushfires.  

“Small businesses are crucial for our regional economy and we’re doing everything we can to keep them open during these extraordinary times.

“We’ve received over 20,000 applications and provided over $190 million in support to date, which shows the immense reach and importance of this program for our regions.  

“When we introduced the $10,000 grants, we removed the red tape and made it easy for businesses to access the money and get on with serving customers or delivering products.  

“Not only have we extended the program to include the small businesses of the Upper Lachlan, but we’ve also we’ve extended the application period to December to ensure everyone who needs help can get it,” said Mrs Tuckerman.  

Mrs Tuckerman said the extension would make the difference for many small businesses trying to cope with the compounding impacts of bushfires, drought, and COVID-19.  

“I’m so pleased to have finally secured their inclusion in the scheme – small businesses and the communities that rely on them in the Upper Lachlan will now have the same access to support as those in surrounding LGAs.” Mrs Tuckerman said.  

“We know that the impact of the bushfires reaches far beyond the areas damaged directly by the fires and these grants are a godsend for small businesses that have taken such a significant hit financially.  

“I urge anyone in the Upper Lachlan or any other bushfire impacted LGAs to reach out to Service NSW to have a conversation about what we can do to help you when you’re ready,” said Mrs Tuckerman