Support for small business owners affected by bushfires
Updated 25 February 2020
The 2019/2020 bushfires have had a devastating impact on communities around NSW and we can only imagine the stress and strain small business owners must be feeling.
There are support services available for small business owners who have suffered direct damage to their assets or loss of income as a result of the bushfires.
The Service NSW Business Concierge service can help you identify what support is available to you. For more information, visit the website.
Financial support
Service NSW is working in collaboration with federal, state and local government to bring together all the support and services available to help small businesses get back on their feet.
You can request a call from the Business Concierge who will discuss your options based on your circumstances and assist you in completing any financial relief application forms.
Business advice
A free mobile advisory service is available to small businesses through Business Connect. An advisor can meet you at a convenient place and discuss your business needs. Advice is offered about managing cash flow, planning the next steps, accessing financial support schemes and connecting to additional support. A trusted local business advisor can meet you at your business premises or another convenient location.
To book a session with your local advisor, visit the website or call 1300 134 359.
Local information sessions for small businesses
Small businesses affected by the bushfires in regional NSW are invited to attend this information session brought to you as part of the NSW Government Bushfire Regional Roadshow.
Government agencies will come together to share information on support available such as eligibility criteria for grants, and disaster assistance for affected businesses.
For more information or to register for an event, visit the website.
Getting your voice heard
The Small Business Commissioner’s role is to advocate for small business and speak up you at the highest levels. If you’re facing obstacles such as unfair treatment, red tape or issues with insurance or telecommunication providers we can help. Contact our team.
Small Business Recovery Toolkit
The NSW Small Business Commission has developed resources to help small business owners recover from disasters, including:
Dispute resolution
Access a confidential and free dispute resolution service which helps small businesses needing assistance to work through problems with other businesses or government. We help parties talk about their problems and work towards a solution through negotiation and communication. We can also assist small businesses with issues in relation to insurance and regulatory concerns. Find out more.
Lease support
Speak with an expert about your obligations under retail or commercial leases, and advice on dealing with any landlord and tenant issues. Call 1300 795 534 or contact us.
Mental health support
The following are free services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
- Lifeline Bushfire Support - 13 43 57
- Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511
- Mensline - 1300 789 978
- Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
- Beyondblue - 1300 22 4636
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 000.
Free access to university workspaces and WI-FI
Temporary workspace is immediately available to small business owners that have been affected by bushfire. Get in contact with the universities below to book.
|
University |
Location |
Space available |
Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Wollongong |
iAccelerate Squire’s Way North Wollongong |
20 desks, WI-FI, parking |
Moira Buckley 02 4239 2150 |
| University of Wollongong |
Bega Valley Innovation Hub Sapphire Marketplace Business Centre Suite 5, 106 Auckland Street Bega |
10 temporary free co-working spaces Meeting facilities Internet connectivity |
or email Bega@iaccelerate.com.au
|
|
University of Newcastle |
Hunter Street I2N Hub 376 Hunter St Newcastle |
6 desks, WI-FI, public transport |
Siobhan Curran 02 4921 6951 |
|
University of Newcastle |
Williamtown I2N Hub 1 Technology Place Aerospace Centre Williamtown |
8 desks, WI-FI, printing, parking |
Siobhan Curran 02 4921 6951 |
|
University of Newcastle |
Muswellbrook I2N Hub 87 Hill St Muswellbrook |
4 desks, conference room, meeting rooms |
Siobhan Curran 02 4921 6951 |
|
Charles Sturt University |
AgriTech Incubator Wagga Wagga |
20 desks, WI-FI |
Siobhain Howard 02 6933 4004 |
|
Charles Sturt University |
Wangaratta Study Centre Wangaratta |
7 desks, group rooms, teaching kitchen and lab space for 40 people |
Siobhain Howard 02 6933 4004 |
|
Charles Sturt University |
Bathurst campus |
Space may be available on a case-by-case basis |
Siobhain Howard 02 6933 4004 |
| Western Sydney University |
Bankstown Campus Horsley Road & Bullecourt Avenue Milperra |
Approx 168m2 of open office 14m2 meeting room Amenities |
Email: venues@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Western Sydney University |
Penrith Campus Second Avenue Kingswood |
Approx 88m2 office space 19m2 meeting space Amenities |
Email: venues@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Western Sydney University |
Hawkesbury Campus Bourke Street Richmond |
Approx 147m2 office space (shared or individual rooms) Amenities |
Email: venues@westernsydney.edu.au |
| Western Sydney University |
Campbelltown Campus Corner of Narellan Road & Gilchrist Drive Campbelltown |
Approx 71m2 office space | Email: venues@westernsydney.edu.au |