Government assistance
Small business support grant
The Commonwealth and NSW governments have announced a new small business support grant of $10,000, to cover small business loss of income.
The grant is available to small businesses that:
- have experienced a significant decline in revenue due to the recent bushfires
- are located in the specified bushfire-impacted local government areas (LGAs).
Small businesses who have received assistance under other grants or initiatives may also be eligible for this grant.
If you've already applied for the small business and not-for-profit organisations grant detailed below, and your business is within the specified LGAs, Service NSW will contact you regarding your eligibility under this new grant.
For further eligibility criteria and the application form visit Apply for the small business bushfire support grant.
Small business and not-for-profit organisations grant
Grants of up to $50,000 are available for eligible small businesses and not-for-profit organisations that have suffered direct damage to their premises or equipment, and intend to re-establish in the community.
The grants will not be available for expenses that are covered by insurance, nor to recompense lost business income.
Visit Apply for a bushfire recovery grant for directly-impacted small businesses to learn more.
Bushfire industry recovery package
Eligible businesses in regional NSW forestry, dairy, apiculture, horticulture, viticulture and aquaculture industries can now apply for funding under the Bushfire Industry Recovery Package. This package aims to support the immediate, medium and long-term rebuilding of the regional NSW agricultural sector.
Supply chain support grants are available to support short-term recovery and resilience, job security and future production. Specific funding amounts and limits apply to each industry. For eligibility criteria and to apply, visit Bushfire industry recovery package. Applications close 12 June 2020.
Sector development grants of between $50,000 and $10 million are available to support projects focused on job creation, increasing value-add production, supply-chain efficiencies, product diversification and market expansion. For eligibility criteria and to apply, visit Bushfire industry recovery package.
Small business, not-for-profit organisations and primary producers loan
Concessional loans of up to $500,000 are available for eligible small businesses and not-for-profit organisations.
There are 2 types of loans available, and each loan has a 2-year interest-free and repayment-free period:
- the Bushfire Working Capital Loan of up to $50,000 over 5 years
- the Bushfire Recovery Loan of up to $500,000 over 10 years.
Visit the Rural Assistance Authority to check your eligibility and apply.
Primary producers grant
The NSW Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) provides a range of grants, subsidies and loans to help primary producers, small businesses, non-profit organisations and sporting and recreation clubs affected by bushfires. See Special disaster loans and Grants and subsidies for more information.
The RAA is now offering a special bushfire disaster grant for eligible primary producers in impacted LGAs. Grants of up to $75,000 are available.
Businesses must apply by 31 July 2020. Visit Special Disaster Grant – Bushfires for more information.
Regional tourism grant
The Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants program is providing $10 million to support events, concerts, festivals and visitor attractions in fire- affected regions. The aim of the program is to help with recovery efforts and encourage international and domestic visitors to come back to the regions.
The program has 2 funding streams. Stream 1 supports smaller-scale events and stream 2 supports larger events and/or other visitor attractions such as art installations and tourist walks.
The grants are available for eligible local government organisations and regional tourism organisations in bushfire affected areas.
Applicants will be invited to apply by Austrade.
For more information visit Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants.
Indigenous corporations grant
The National Indigenous Australians Agency are assisting Indigenous Australian organisations and businesses get access to supports and services. Visit Support to bushfire affected communities for information.
The Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) has established an emergency response grant for any Indigenous corporation whose property has been directly affected by the recent bushfires.
A grant of up to $20,000 will be available to assist Indigenous corporations to immediately secure and clean up damaged properties.
The ILSC will also make available a grant to assist Indigenous land management groups and contractors assisting the vital recovery efforts with much needed equipment.
Indigenous corporations should contact the ILSC on 1800 818 490 or email EDOAdmin@ilcorp.gov.au.
ILSC staff will be available to take enquiries 7 days a week, from 9am to 8pm.
Childcare grant
Grants are available for child-care services located in bushfire-affected areas. The amount of funding provided will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
For more information, visit the Department of Education.
Peer support activities grant
Primary Health Networks (PNH) in bushfire-affected regions are providing grants of up to $10,000 to strengthen social connectedness and peer support activities. Please contact your local PHN to discuss a bushfire recovery event.
Non-government assistance
Tumut region community fund
The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and the Pratt Foundation are providing a fund to support people in the Snowy Valleys Council region.
The Visy Tumut Region Recovery Fund is to help local, eligible not-for-profit organisations and community groups to deliver projects and activities that will support the region in its bushfire recovery. Visit FRRR to check eligibility and to apply.
WIRES Landcare Wildlife Relief and Recovery grant
Community assistance
Community events grant
Grant for Indigenous Business Australia customers
Business finance and home loan customers of Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) who have been directly impacted by NSW bushfires can access:
- the temporary suspension of loan repayments
- a $2000 bushfire crisis grant to cover immediate needs
- assistance to make insurance claims.
If required, further assistance will be assessed on an individual basis.
Call IBA on 1800 064 800.