|
COVID-19 | NSW GOVERNMENT
NSW Small Business Bushfire Information Webinar
The NSW Small Business Bushfire Information webinar, which was held on Tuesday 7 April, is now live on the Service NSW webpage.
Funding to rebuild bushfire damaged boundary fences
Bushfire-affected landholders will now have access to COVID-19 stimulus funds to help cover the cost of rebuilding boundary fences. The NSW government will provide up to $5,000 per kilometre for the purchase of fire resilient materials, wherever possible, to rebuild existing fences adjoining public lands damaged by the summer fires.
The funding, delivered through a one-off grant and issued retrospectively to help cover the costs already incurred by landholders, is an opportunity to engage the services of local contractors to help boost the local economy.
For more information about the program or to register your interest, visit the Local Land Services website.
For information on the topics below, visit the COVID-19 Business Support page on the Bega Valley Shire Council website.
- Rent negotiation
- Business support grants
- Fee and licence relief
COVID-19 | FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
JobKeeper - enrolment date extended
The enrolment date for JobKeeper has been extended to 31 May 2020. If you enrol by then, you will still be able to claim for the fortnights in April and May, provided you meet all the eligibility requirements for each of those fortnights. This includes having paid your employees by the appropriate date for each fortnight.
For the first two fortnights (30 March-12 April, 13 April-26 April), the ATO will accept the minimum $1,500 payment for each fortnight has been paid by you even if it has been paid late, provided it is paid by 8 May. If you do not pay your staff by this date, you will not be able to claim JobKeeper for the first two fortnights.
You can enrol and claim for JobKeeper earlier if you choose. For example, you can enrol by the end of April to claim JobKeeper payments for the two fortnights in April.
The big four banks - ANZ, Westpac, NAB, Commonwealth Bank - have established JobKeeper help lines that are dedicated to ensuring small businesses have the funding they need to pay their staff. They are promising to fast-track these applications.
ANZ - 1800 571 123
Westpac - 1300 731 073
NAB - 1800 562 533
Commonwealth Bank - 13 26 07
JobKeeper – sole traders
Sole traders may be entitled to the JobKeeper Payment scheme under the business participation entitlement. Check your eligibility on the ATO website and then click on the sole trader sublink which takes you to the 3-step process for applying.
Support for Indigenous businesses
Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) has a support package for all Indigenous businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19, including non-IBA customers. Designed in collaboration with the National Indigenous Australians Agency, the package includes the following.
Access to specialist advice - to help your business navigate the COVID-19 crisis, IBA can provide specialist advice including a rapid assessment of business positioning, cash flow management and assistance to access available stimulus measures.
Working capital assistance - you can apply for working capital assistance of up to $100,000 via a loan/grant package (assessed on a needs basis), which will consist of:
- a grant of up to 50% of the package amount
- for the loan component, up to 36 months loan term, zero repayments for the first 12 months, and preferential interest rates thereafter.
Please note, those customers who are not eligible for any other government stimulus packages will be prioritised for working capital stimulus assistance.
To register your interest in applying for this package, visit the Indigenous Business Australia website.
Non-bank lenders allowed to provide credit
The federal government is providing five non-bank lenders with access to the COVID-19 SME Guarantee Scheme. The scheme provides eligible small businesses with access to up to $250,000 in unsecured funding, including a six-month repayment holiday with interest accrued to be amortised over the course of the loan.
Four of the chosen non-bank lenders - Prospa, Moula, Get Capital and On Deck Capital - are signatories to the Fintech Code of Conduct, which commits them to provide a process for complaints-handling and transparency around loan rates.
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, says it is important these fintechs pass on the lower rates for loans under this scheme to small businesses, as they are backed by a 50% government guarantee. Essentially this means the government is taking on half of the risk of the loan and that needs to be reflected in loan pricing.
For information on the topics below, visit the COVID-19 Business Support page on the Bega Valley Shire Council website.
- Insurance relief
- Cash flow boost
- Sole trader support
- Employees working from home
- Physical distancing for business
|
|
|
JobKeeper payment employer guide
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released a guide on the JobKeeper payment to help businesses navigate the program. The guide seeks to explain and answer some of the more common questions employers may have around the payment scheme.
|
|
|
Bushfire clean-up teams on-the-ground in the Valley
Bushfire clean-up contractor Laing O’Rourke is working on clearance work in almost 20 localities across the Bega Valley, including Brogo, Bemboka, Cobargo, Coolagolite, Eden, Kiah, Mt Darragh, Wandella and Yowrie.
The company is working closely with local subcontractors across the Bega Valley Shire, which include All Dirt & Demo (South Pambula), LW & CK Cocks Ltd (Eden), Jason Sirl Excavations (Bega), South East Civil & Crane (South Pambula) and Merimbula Sand & Gravel.
Laing O'Rourke has set up base in Bega and initially stationed two Clean-up Caravans in Cobargo, for local contractors and Laing O’Rourke staff members to meet, hold safety briefings, share progress updates and discuss the upcoming work program.
Photo: a local subcontractor clearing a Bega Valley property.
|
|
|
Recovery and rejuvenation key to Provincial Plants’ future
No matter how big or small your business, the weight of keeping it viable and profitable through drought, bushfires, floods and then COVID-19 hits hard financially, as well as emotionally and mentally.
Every business owner has a story about their journey; turning a business idea or passion into something tangible, successful and of which you can be so very proud. It involves hard work, going without, teamwork, energy and drive.
Lisa Roberts and David Charlton’s story began 20 years ago when they established Provincial Plants and Landscapes, their environmental rehabilitation, landscaping and nursery business in the Wandella Valley.
Read the full story HERE.
|
|
|
Strengthening Bega Valley businesses
Strengthening Business is a new federal initiative being delivered in bushfire affected regions, to continue the ongoing recovery efforts, compounded by the impact of COVID-19.
Part of the Small Business Rebuild Package, Strengthening Business teams up eligible business owners with experienced Business Advisers who will help them navigate government assistance, discuss immediate business needs and provide access to longer term recovery planning.
Eligibility requirements:
- businesses in any sector with under $1.5 million in turnover
- must be located in the affected areas and have been impacted, including indirectly impacted through loss of trade, tourism downturn etc
- must have an ABN which is current and was current in carrying on business at the time of the bushfire in the defined disaster area.
Although applications are not yet open, Bega Valley businesses interested in this initiative can get in touch with Business Facilitator, Monique Donaldson at Monique.donaldson@businessaustralia.com or on 0418 854 621.
|
|
|
Get your business ready for post-COVID-19
The Phoenix Resolve Workshop Series, designed by the Bega Valley Innovation Hub and funded by Bega Valley Shire Council, aims to help local businesses and entrepreneurs pivot and adapt after the bushfires and COVID-19. Using local experts, the series will help businesses reshape, plan for recovery and build resilience.
The series includes such topics as digital processes and systems, websites, e-commerce and social media strategies, content creation for distracted audiences and key financial tools for challenging times.
Jackie Parry of SisterShip Press nearly gave up on her business after the bushfires: “Instead, I dropped into a session at the Bega Valley Innovation Hub. The support has helped me put my skipper’s hat back on and climb aboard once again. But it’s not just business guidance - it’s the compassion, the friendship and the strength; it’s what we all needed.”
The Phoenix Resolve Workshop Series, running to the end of June, is open to any business with a registered ABN. The modules can be booked singly, some as individual sessions and some as a complete series of sessions, making them effective for business leaders.
|
|
|
COVID-19: a time for reflection and change
For some businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic has been the straw that broke the camel’s back, but for Festival Director, it has been a time to evaluate and review; leading to some silver linings.
Shane and Karolina Russell own Festival Director, an online ticketing and event management software business. Their software platform offers fully customisable ticketing and online application forms with simple website integration, allowing event managers to collect revenue directly and operate under their own brand.
Their personal and financial crisis began in March 2019, when the NSW government introduced the Music Festival Licence, forcing onerous and costly licencing requirements on festival and community event organisers.
Read the full story HERE.
|
|
|
Destination Sapphire Coast
Sapphire Coast Destination Marketing (SCDM) has a number of activities to ensure the Shire is ready to compete in the visitor economy when tourists are welcomed back. SCDM is seeking industry insights to ensure the support it provides will contribute to making businesses more competitive. The Tourism Industry Support Survey will contribute directly to the development of a number of business improvement activities, which will be employed over the coming months. We encourage you to contribute to the survey.
Together with all local Visitor Centres (Eden, Merimbula, Bega, Bermagui) and Tathra Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, SCDM has formed a marketing group to develop plans to stay connected with their audiences and become the destination of choice in the domestic market. This is a long road, so smart planning now will bring rewards later. The marketing group meets via Zoom weekly and is currently focused on sharpening the delivery of experiences, content and itineraries, with the aim of collectively presenting 'world class' experiences and increasing the time visitors will spend here.
Another initiative in development is a Tourism Hosts Campaign and SCDM is on the hunt for intriguing digital content from local businesses who are doing things differently while navigating these difficult times. All local tourism, hospitality and retail businesses are invited to get involved; to tell their story with a view to publishing them across the Sapphire Coast digital channels. So, if you’ve got something that you’d like to share to help promote your business and the region, email it to scdm@sapphirecoast.com.au
Photo credit: Davey Rogers
|
|
|
Requests for Tenders or Quotes
Boating facility upgrades – Bermagui and Blackfellows
Qualified commercial entities to construct new boating facilities, including concrete ramps, civil works, a floating pontoon and a fixed jetty, across two locations – Bermagui River Boat Ramp and Blackfellows Lake Boat Ramp.
Pambula Beach Coastal Accessibility Project
Qualified commercial entities to perform the civil construction works at the Pambula Beach Surf Life Saving club, which includes bulk earth works, concreting and road construction.
Tura Coastal Reserves Project - Track Construction
Qualified commercial entities to construct two gravel walking tracks to provide access to beach stairways at 'The Point' and 'Dolphin Cove' in Tura Beach.
Pambula Beach Coastal Accessibility Project- New Playground & Outdoor Gym
Qualified commercial entities for the installation of playground, gym equipment and associated works at Pambula Beach Surf Lifesaving club.
For further information, go to Public Tenders.
|
|
|
Spiral Gallery online shop
The Spiral Gallery now has a Members' Online shop providing unique Australian handmade items.
Spiral Gallery is an artist-run cooperative that promotes and supports arts practice in the Bega Valley region; offering opportunities for its members to exhibit and sell their work.
It caters to a broad range of artists including painters, sculptors, glass artists, gold and silversmiths, textile artists, printers, photographers, mixed media and installation artists living within the Bega Valley and beyond.
|
|
|
3 May deadline for feedback on Draft LSPS
Bega Valley Shire Council is pleased with the strong response to its Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement, and is encouraged by the thinking behind the feedback and considered suggestions across a range of land use actions.
There are still three more days to provide feedback on the draft Planning Statement and we’re sure there are more ideas to capture from Bega Valley employers.
|
|
|
Bega Valley Regional Gallery
The $50,000 Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award is proceeding as planned. The biennial award attracts entries from many of Australia’s most respected artists. The closing date to submit an entry form is midnight, Friday 29 May 2020.
Local artists with work to sell are encouraged to participate in the Gallery’s MOTEL Art Fair in Merimbula in August 2020. This event will showcase 15 practicing artists, selected through an online expression of interest. Motel rooms will be provided to each artist to display their works, and stay on Friday and Saturday night. The Gallery is accepting Expressions of Interest online until Friday 29 May 2020.
|
|
|
My Business Health offers some relief
The My Business Health portal now offers simple and practical information to help small business owners struggling with the COVID-19 crisis.
This includes the latest information on government support measures as well as assistance with employer obligations, finances, available government payments, loans and tax.
There are also a number of resources by leading mental health organisations such as Beyond Blue, Lifeline and Everymind that deal with the impact of COVID-19 specifically.
|
|
|
Toolkit to help rural businesses stand out
When it comes to food and fibre, consumers want to know who produced it, where it was produced and how it was produced. And producers need to innovate to keep pace with changing consumer needs in crowded marketplaces.
AgriFutures Australia has a toolkit of practical, easy to navigate resources for Australian producers who want to build an effective story for their food and fibre business and share it with current and prospective clients.
Sharing your product’s origin story, history or journey to market is a powerful way to connect with your consumers and differentiate brands in the market. It’s an approach that can play a critical role in sustaining, increasing or expanding market share.
|
|
|
Tips for tourism operators
Destination NSW has developed a new suite of resources as part of its NSW First industry development program to help travel and tourism operators navigate these unprecedented times.
The resources provide business owners with advice about how to stay in touch with customers, maintaining relationships with media and distribution partners, and opportunities to develop new areas of business.
Photo credit: Davey Rogers
|
|
|
Business Connect free webinars
Don’t forget, Business Connect is offering free online workshops and webinars to support small businesses in NSW. Coming up next week is:
To see what else is on offer, go to Business Connect events. If you have trouble connecting from Internet Explorer, please use a supported browser like Chrome, Firefox or Edge.
|
|
|
eBay stimulus for struggling retail
Online marketplace eBay is allowing eligible eBay sellers to defer fees for 30 days and removing listing fees until 30 June.
For new sellers, eBay is offering no selling fees for three months to primarily help bricks-and-mortar retailers establish an online presence while their location is in ‘hibernation’.
This post does not imply endorsement or recommendation by Bega Valley Shire Council. Be sure to read and understand the Terms and Conditions before registering.
|
|
|
Get the latest Bega Valley and Sapphire Coast business news and information direct to your inbox.
|
|
Business News is a key channel that connects us to you and helps us support your business.
Let us know what you need from us. You can contact Dan and Alison in the Economic Development team on (02) 6499 2222 or EconomicDevelopment@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
As we navigate this unprecedented crisis, we thank you for continuing to care for yourself, your staff and your families. Please check Council's dedicated COVID-19 webpage for the very latest news and information on the pandemic, including business news.
Feedback and topic suggestions are also welcome:
EconomicDevelopment@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
|
|
|
|
