You must ensure that your invoicing during the decline in turnover period is within your usual business practices and not a result of manipulation in order to meet the eligibility criteria.

Please Note that the comparative period is the same two-week period in 2019. This is due to the fact that 2020 was also impacted by COVID-19. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Have an ABN at as 1 June 2021.
• Annual Wages of less than $10m as at 1 July 2020.
• Have business costs for which there is no other government support (more details below).
• Have experienced a decline in turnover of 30% or more due to lockdown over a minimum 2 week period from 26 June 2021 to 17 July 2021 when compared to the same period in 2019.
• Maintain employee headcount as at 13 July 2021.

 
Sole traders cannot apply if they have already applied for or are receiving the Commonwealth COVID-19 Disaster Payments.

How funding may be used

It is expected that grants will be paid within five days of application. Due to the fast roll-out, the information and supporting documents will not be reviewed by Service NSW until a later date. As we have seen with previous NSW Government Grants, there will be a high level of audit activity at a later stage. It is important that you maintain records on the eligible expenses that you have spent the funding on. If this cannot be substantiated, you may be forced to repay the grant with penalties.
Eligible costs include:

• utilities, wages and rent;
• financial, legal or other advice to support business continuity planning;
• marketing and communications activities to develop the business;
• the cost of perishable goods that can no longer be used; or
• other activities to support the operation of the business.

 
The Grant must only be used for expenses for which no other government support is available. For example, the Grant cannot be used to pay government fees and charges that would be covered by the $1,00 small business fess and charges rebate.

When to apply

Applications are now open and close 13 September 2021.

What we will do

We will prepare the accountant’s letter that is required when applying.

In order to prepare this letter we will:

review your general eligibility for the grant.

review your turnover for the two week period, compared to the same period in 2019.

review your staff headcount before and after 13 July.

Whilst your Service NSW application may not require an accountant’s letter for your industry or turnover percentage tier; this process will ensure that you are eligible and will provide you with the relevant financial information required in the application.

Next Steps

Please contact us if you believe your business has seen a 30% or more decline in turnover.

Once we receive your email we will send you an engagement letter to carry out the work.

One you receive the accountant’s letter from us, you will need to apply for the grant through your Service NSW account.

Should you have any questions, please contact us. Please note we are currently receiving a high volume of calls and emails and will get in contact with you as soon as possible.