Business

How we're supporting business in response to Covid-19

Need help finding the right support for your business? Whether you’re running a shop, cafe, as a sole trader or creative business, we want to help you. As part of our $72.5 million support package, we're helping keep businesses afloat through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Grants on offer

The City’s Covid-19 small business relief grants have now closed. We’ll directly contact all successful and unsuccessful grants applicants.

City fee waivers and rent reviews

• Fees waived for health and building compliance activities
• Rent review on a case by case basis for tenants that require support
• Standard contractual terms and return booking and banner fees waived for venue bookings
• Waived market permit and filming fees
• A flexible approach to parking and other infringements

City policy changes

• Support businesses to increase or introduce take away food options to allow for social distancing.
• Only take enforcement action for matters that present an imminent public, environmental, health or safety risk.
• Allow supermarkets and other stores to operate their loading docks 24 hours a day to deliver essential goods.

Capital works projects

• To support workers during this difficult time, the City will fast-track $23 million worth of capital works projects. This action will stimulate employment and improve our assets for the benefit of our communities.

Call our business concierge service on 02 9265 9333.

We’ll help you find the right support.

We’re open 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

You can also drop us a line at CityConcierge@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.

If you need a translation service, please call 13 14 50.

Other business support and resources during Covid-19

Federal government support for business

The federal government has released multiple measures to support business through Covid-19. Information for sole traders and employers includes boosting cash flow, instant asset write-off, the backing business incentive, early access to superannuation and JobKeeper payments for your employees. Visit The Treasury website for the latest financial support available for your business.

For support accessing services, contact Australian Business helpline on 13 28 46, 7 days a week, 7am to 11pm Sydney time. You can also use The WhatsApp feature which lets you ask questions you need answered about your business.

Other useful resources from the federal government:

• federal government restrictions and non-essential services
• Australian Taxation Office assistance during Covid-19. Call the infoline on 1800 806 218.
• many banks offer a small business relief package . Features include deferring payments, waiving fees, charges and penalties.

State government support for small business

The NSW Government has released support to help small business through Covid-19. It includes a $10,000 small business grant and fast relief for small businesses facing unavoidable costs such as utilities, overheads, legal fees and financial advice.

Expressions of interest are sought from businesses to help replenish medical supplies. They don’t have to manufacture the products now, but should be able to change their production lines.

The NSW Government Small Business Commissioner has tips and resources to help you manage during the pandemic and into the recovery phase.

Contact the Service NSW Business Concierge for personalised advice on financial and business support. Call 13 77 88.