NSW support for small business welcome as Riverina staff levels plunge to lowest level of pandemic

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet on Sunday announced the Small Business Support Program to pay affected businesses up to $5000 per week.

"We are also providing support to business to help reimburse the cost of rapid antigen tests for their workers, extending the Commercial Landlord Hardship Grant and delivering additional funding for the performing arts sector," Mr Perrottet said.

"This targeted package provides support for businesses who experienced cashflow issues and the immediate economic impacts of the Omicron outbreak."

Businesses with an annual turnover of between $75,000 and $50 million, which can demonstrate a 40 per cent decline in turnover during January compared to previous years, will receive 20 per cent of their weekly payroll in February, up to $5000 per week.

The Small Business Fees and Charges rebate program has been lifted from $2000 to $3000 and can be used to claim a 50 per cent rebate on the cost of rapid antigen tests.

Griffith-based Business Enterprise Centre consultant Martin O'Donnell said the rebate was a "huge benefit" for sole traders or partnerships.

Mr O'Donnell said the rebate could be claimed for local and state government expenses like licence fees, rates for business premises or vehicle registrations from March 2021 until June 30 2022.

The rebate can be claimed through the Services NSW app but he said help was available.

"We've developed a step-by-step process to make it easier for businesses," Mr O'Donnell said.

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Business NSW members surveyed in the Riverina-Murray had seen the largest impact on staffing since the beginning of the pandemic and their confidence had fallen to levels last seen during the Delta variant lockdown.

Business NSW Regional Manager Anthony McFarlane said the new support package would keep the doors of many businesses open as many had reported at least a 40 per cent downturn.

"Business has been crying out for support because of the dramatic impacts that Omicron has had on their operations, especially in what many hoped would be their busiest time," he said.

"The government has done a great job in designing a package that will help a wide variety of business owners who've suffered a downturn in their operations through no fault of their own."

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