Apply for the Recovery Grant for Small Businesses and Non-Profit Organisations

Introduction

If you’re a small business or non-profit organisation impacted by recent severe weather events, you may be eligible for a grant to help with the costs of clean-up, repairs and reopening.

A grant of up to $25,000 is available to eligible small businesses and non-profit organisations in impacted Local Government Areas (LGAs) that suffered direct damage as a result of:

• NSW East Coast Severe Weather from 18 May 2025 (AGRN 1212), or
• Tropical Cyclone Alfred Severe Weather from 3 March 2025 (AGRN 1198).

Eligibility

To be eligible, your business or non-profit organisation must:

• have been operating in an impacted LGA listed under AGRN 1212 or AGRN 1198
• have suffered direct damage as a result of NSW East Coast Severe Weather from 18 May 2025, or Tropical Cyclone Alfred Severe Weather from 3 March 2025
• have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) and have held that ABN at the time of the disaster
• intend to re-establish operations within the same area
• not be fully insured and claiming all recovery costs through insurance.

Refer to the Guidelines for the full list of eligibility criteria.

If you’re a small business or sole trader

You must:

• employ up to 20 full-time staff or equivalent, or
• be a sole trader receiving at least 50% of your income from the business.

If you're a non-profit organisation

• You must be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission or an equivalent body.
• You must not be included on the National Redress Scheme's website on the list of 'Institutions that have not joined or signified their intent to join the Scheme'.

What's covered

Covered costs include, but are not limited to:

• payment for tradespeople to conduct safety inspections
• equipment, materials or personnel needed to clean up or immediately resume operations
• removal and disposal of debris, damaged materials or damaged stock
• essential repairs to premises and internal fittings
• leasing a temporary premises within the disaster area so the business can start operating again
• replacing or repairing motor vehicles registered for business use
• replacing lost or damaged stock essential for resuming operations.

Refer to the Guidelines for more information on what can and cannot be claimed.

What you need

• a MyServiceNSW Account
  • you can create one when you start your application
  • you may need details from 2 identity documents (such as Australian driver licence, Medicare card, passport)
• your valid ABN/ACN number
  Note: If the information associated with your ABN is incorrect or does not exactly match your identity document details, your application may be delayed. Make sure your ABN details are up to date on the Australian Business Register (ABR)
• evidence of your non-profit status (if applicable)
• Australian bank account details for payment.

Supporting documents

Have the following documents and photos ready to be uploaded in JPG, PDF, PNG, or TIF format:

• a rates notice or lease agreement to show that the business was operating in an impacted LGA
• 5 – 10 photographs of the direct damage
• evidence of payment:
  • for applications of up to $5,000 for immediate costs, you will need copies of estimates or a list of damaged items
  • for applications over $5,000 and up to $25,000, you will need copies of tax invoices and evidence that these invoices have been paid (e.g. bank statements, electronic bank transfer confirmations or official supplier receipts).
• details of your business insurance if you have it
• a letter of authority to show you’re authorised to act on behalf of the business if you’re not the business owner.

Auditing requirements

To prevent any fraud activity, you may be selected for random auditing if you’re approved for payment.

You’ll need to keep evidence of how you’ve spent the grant. This includes keeping receipts on all spent items for one year from the payment closing date.

How to apply

For initial payment of up to $5,000

You must make an application for this payment before applying for the subsequent payment amount of up to $20,000.

1. Check you meet the eligibility criteria.
2. Have your documents ready for uploading.
3. Select the ‘Apply online’ button.
4. Log in, or create your MyServiceNSW Account.
5. Follow the prompts to apply for a payment.
   Note: You can save and resume your application, but if you have not submitted it within 14 days, any details you’ve entered will be deleted.

For further payment of up to $20,000

You must have been paid the initial payment of up to $5,000 before you can apply for this further payment.

1. Have your documents ready for uploading.
2. Select the ‘Log in’ button to go to your Service NSW Business Profile.
3. Start a claim for the Recovery Grant for Small Businesses and Non-Profit Organisations.
   Note: You can save and resume your application, but if you have not submitted it within 14 days, any details you’ve entered will be deleted.

What happens next

When you submit your application, you'll receive a confirmation email with an application reference number. 

After your application is received, it will be assessed. We’ll contact you if additional information to support your application is required. If your application is approved, a payment will be transferred to your bank account within 5 to 10 business days.

Unable to apply online

If you need help with your application, please call 13 77 88. You can also book a call with the Service NSW Business Bureau for support.

Related information

• Guidelines – Recovery grant for small businesses and non-profit organisations
• Terms and Conditions – Recovery grant for small businesses and non-profit organisations
• Privacy Collection Notice – Recovery grant for small businesses and non-profit organisations
• East Coast Severe Weather Personal Hardship Assistance