General resources from other organisations to help you
Various organisations are willing to offer assistance to businesses impacted by bushfires and Coronavirus
- Cash flow assistance from Australian Government for businesses suffering from Coronavirus. Small and medium business entities with aggregated annual turnover under $50 million and that employ workers will be eligible. The Federal Government Fact Sheet is here....
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The help available in the Blue Mountains for bushfire affected small businesses has been boosted, to provide extra help and make it easier to apply. Here is a list of assistance available and who and how to apply for help.
- Special Disaster Loans from NSW & Federal Governments. Eligible primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profits in LGAs affected by bushfires that have occurred since 31 August 2019 in the Blue Mountains LGA, can now access special disaster loans of up to $500,000. There are two types of low-interest loans available:
The Bushfire Working Capital Loan of up to $50,000 over five years with a two-year interest-free and repayment free period.
The Bushfire Recovery Loan of up to $500,000 over ten years, with a two-year interest and payment free period. - Help A Small Biz project is a free initiative helping small businesses directly and indirectly impacted by the bushfires back on their feet by pairing them with businesses offering compatible goods, skills or services support. If you have been impacted by the recent bushfires and employ fewer than 20 people, then contact to share your story and your needs. You will then be paired with other businesses who will help address your needs so you can recommence trading and go on to thrive.
- Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) is offering assistance to small business affected by bushfires.
- ASBFEO is also providing guidance here
- My Business Health – also part of the ASBFEO site. Some great tools here.
- The Australian Tax Office has a dedicated page offering support for impacted areas with lodgement and payment deferral dates. You can also phone them on 1800 806 218
- Financial assistance options are available from the Federal Government including the Disaster Recovery Allowance.
- Banks stand ready to help customers impacted by bushfires. Read this article from the Australian Banking Association
- Beyond Blue support service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support the mental health of people affected by the bushfires on 1300 22 4636.
- Beyond Blue also has free information resources online. Emotional responses after a disaster has information about normal responses to disasters, what’s beyond a normal response and some tips on dealing with the emotional impact of a disaster. More detailed information is available in the booklet Looking after yourself and your family after a disaster
- Assistance can be provided from charities including Lifeline, Australian Red Cross and Salvation Army.
- State Government support is available for NSW, QLD, VIC and TAS communities affected by the bushfires.
- Centrelink Support for those who have lost income as a direct result of the bushfires
- Spend With Them – Encourages customers to purchase from businesses in towns that have been fire impacted. To become part of Spend With Them go to this page.
- The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has published a website to assist all businesses in Australia affected by the 2019-2020 bushfires. Access this information portal here.
- Blue Mountains City Council is offering guidance and support here...
- Ahead for Business help small business owners to take action on their own mental health and wellbeing
Personal support assistance with the Anxiety and Stress business owners feel at these times.
Julie Newbury is offering free counselling sessions for small business owners or employees who have or are suffering from emotional and mental stress. At this time people are just wanting someone to talk to who understands the Anxiety and Stress business owners are feeling.
If Julie can help, please contact her