$19 Million small business boost

Central Coast small businesses are benefitting from the NSW Government’s COVID-19 funding grants, with new data released today revealing more than $19 million has been provided to local businesses since April.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the funding grants were designed to keep people in jobs and businesses in business.

“Small business is the backbone of our community, and these grants helped cover costs like utilities, council rates, telecommunications bills, insurance payments, wages and more,” Mr Crouch said.

“A total of 1,574 applications for $10,000 one-off grants were rapidly assessed and paid to business owners when they were struggling most.

“There are also 1,095 $3,000 one-off grants that have been provided to local businesses to relaunch their operations, ensure their business is COVID-safe, and welcome back customers and clients.

“I am absolutely delighted that local businesses have been able to benefit to the tune of $19.1 million.”

Mr Crouch said the triple whammy of fires, floods and COVID-19 had presented an unprecedented challenge to Central Coast businesses.

“The upcoming summer season and current border restrictions have created a fantastic opportunity for our local businesses over the next few months,” Mr Crouch said.

“We all want businesses to get through this storm of COVID-19 and I am really pleased that funding from the NSW Government can play a role in taking some pressure off owners, allowing them to spend more time on their operations and reopening their doors to customers.”

An online assistance tool with information on other available business support can be found at: www.service.nsw.gov.au/covid-19.