SOLE traders will now have their applications streamlined for the Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant, providing up to $50,000 to help them recover following the unprecedented flooding.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the application process for the grant has been simplified to help deliver financial support sooner.
“We know our flood-affected communities need help now and that is why we are constantly looking for ways to speed up the grant approval process,” Mr Toole said.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the change will allow Service NSW to process applications quicker by cutting down the paperwork for sole traders and getting money into their hands faster.
“While sole traders have always been eligible for the grant, in-line with previous grant programs they have needed additional documentation to other small businesses. The changes, which take effect from today, mean that applications can now be initially approved based on statutory declarations,” Mr Dominello said.
“Grants are just one of a range of packages targeted at helping flood-affected communities in the Northern Rivers recover and rebuild as quickly as possible.”
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the Commonwealth and NSW governments are jointly delivering more than $3 billion in flood recovery support.
“We will continue to work with the Australian Government to provide flood-affected communities with the support they need to bounce back from this unprecedented disaster,” Ms Cooke said.
“We know a significant number of sole traders are based in regional communities, so cutting red tape in the application process for the Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant will mean money gets out the door sooner.”
The Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant is available in 60 local government areas and is being jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
For further information or to lodge your statutory declaration, visit the Service NSW website or call 13 77 88.
