COVID-19 (Coronavirus): information for small business owners
What are the latest health rules for business?
Learn more about the latest restrictions and the different rules for each business sector at Business Rules in NSW.
My business is experiencing lost trade and cashflow problems - can I get help with my bills?
If you’re having concerns about your cash flow, paying fixed costs such as rent, wages, utilities and loan repayments, the earlier you act the easier it can be to negotiate temporary payment terms with your lenders, creditors and suppliers. Read more about dealing with financial hardship.
Business loan repayments
To find out more about deferring your loan repayments, contact your bank. Here are the dedicated business hardship contact lines for the key Australian banks:
- ANZ Bank – 1800 252 845
- Commonwealth Bank Hardship – 1300 720 814
- National Australia Bank Care – 1800 701 599
- St George Bank Assist – 1800 629 795
- Summerland Credit Union – 1300 802 222
- Newcastle Permanent – 13 19 87
- Regional Australia Bank Hardship – 13 20 67
- Bank of Queensland – 1800 079 866
- Westpac Assist – 1800 067 497
- Southern Cross Credit Union – 1300 360 744.
Tax obligations
The Australian Taxation Office can help you with your tax and super obligations if you're experiencing difficulties. For tailored support, contact the ATO Emergency Support Infoline on 1800 806 218 or visit the website for more information.
What support is available from the government?
For personalised advice on the support available, contact the Service NSW Business Concierge.
Visit the website or call 13 77 88
I’m struggling with my rent.
Lease support
Contact the NSW Small Business Commission to speak with a Customer Service team member about your obligations under retail or commercial leases, and get advice on dealing with any landlord and tenant issues.
If you're having a dispute, you can apply for a mediation.
I need advice on consumer rights (e.g. event cancellations, refunds, delayed orders).
If you need advice on your consumer rights and business obligations in relation to cancelled events, refunds, delayed orders or supply chain issues, you can find relevant information for businesses on the ACCC website.
How can I prepare my business if I get sick?
It’s important to be prepared in case you cannot be there to run your business. Having a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) prepared is essential to ensure that your business can remain operating or viable should a disaster strike. Download your free, step-by-step guide to creating a Business Continuity Plan for your business.
What are my employer obligations (including workplace entitlements, standing down staff)?
Standing down or terminating staff
Find out about your workplace entitlements and obligations including information about stand downs from work, working arrangements impacted by school closures, and pay and sick leave entitlements. Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website for specific information about COVID-19 and workplace laws.
Work health and safety
As an employer, you do have certain obligations to look after your employees under work, health and safety legislation (WHS). You must identify hazards and risks in the workplace and do what is reasonably practicable to eliminate and/or minimise them.
COVID-19 is considered a workplace risk and you must put in place minimisation strategies.
Your employees also have a duty of care. Workers also have a duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and to not adversely affect the health and safety of others. Workers should always practice hygiene and other measures to protect against infections.
For advice on managing COVID-19 risks and work health and safety, visit Safe Work Australia.
For information on insurance and workers' compensation claims, including those related to employees contracting COVID-19 and working from home issues, visit the iCare website.
I need advice on managing employee leave.
The Fair Work Ombudsman provides specific information about what to do if an employee is sick or needs to be excluded from work. It also provides guidance on whether employee leave should be considered as sick leave, carer’s leave or annual leave, as well as advising on the process for asking employees to take leave.
How do I make my business COVID Safe?
COVID-19 Safety Plan
Protect your customers, staff and the community by completing a COVID-19 Safety Plan for your business.
Some businesses must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan under the public health orders, but you can also voluntarily complete one. Find a COVID-19 Safety Plan template for your industry.
What if my business has been linked to COVID-19 cases
You may be notified by public health authorities or any employee or other contractor that your business has been linked to cases. For information on what you must do in response, including who to notify and information on cleaning your premises, see the NSW Government’s guidance.
I'm having a dispute with another business or my landlord.
The NSW Small Business Commission offers a confidential dispute resolution service which helps small businesses needing assistance to work through problems with other businesses or their landlord. We help parties talk about the issues, understand the different points of view and work towards a durable solution through negotiation and communication. Find out more.
I need business advice.
If you need advice and support on topics such as managing cashflow, changing your business model and delivering services online, marketing your business in a challenging environment, reassessing your supply chain, or even accessing financial support, the NSW Government provides free advice through Business Connect.
You can arrange to meet a trusted local business advisor by video conference or phone. Subject to the latest health advice, advisors can also meet you at your business premises or another convenient location. You can also choose an advisor who speaks your preferred language.
Book a session with your local Business Connect advisor or call 1300 134 359.
Who can I speak to about problems with red tape or unfair treatment?
The NSW Small Business Commissioner’s role is to advocate for small business and speak up for you at the highest levels. If you’re facing obstacles related to unfair treatment, red tape, getting insurance or a dispute with your telecommunications provider, we may be able to help. Contact our team.
I need mental health support.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a highly stressful time for many small business owners and operators, as well as their employees and families.
The Commission has compiled a comprehensive list of mental health resources to help.
You may also like to listen to our podcast on creating a mentally healthy workplace.
Where can I get access to free online events and training?
Register for free online workshops and webinars with Business Connect, to help you with managing cash flow, emergency planning, pivoting your business model and setting up ecommerce.
NSW TAFE also offers a range of free and low cost online courses for business.