The NSW Government is helping small businesses bounce back from the pandemic with up to $640,000 in grants available to help organisations host events to generate new ideas and connect with fellow entrepreneurs.
Grants of up to $2,500 for local councils and $3,500 for chambers of commerce, industry associations and not-for-profit groups are available to help them organise events for the fifth NSW Small Business Month in March 2022.
Small Business Minister Damien Tudehope said Small Business Month was a unique opportunity to help the State’s hardworking small business owners by offering events that teach them new skills and inspire them with new ideas.
“Small businesses have been tested like never before with drought, floods, bushfires, the mouse plague and COVID-19. They’ve made enormous sacrifices to get where we are today and I want to acknowledge their hard work, effort and resilience,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The theme of this Small Business Month is ‘Rebuild, Recharge, Renew’, which reflects the Government’s determination to help small businesses recover and build a brighter, stronger future.
“The skills, resilience and ambition of NSW small businesses are vital to our economy and our communities.”
Applications for event grants open on 1 November, and must be submitted by 10 December with organisations encouraged to get online, review the grant guidelines and start preparing applications now. Grants are competitive and applications will be assessed against the published criteria.
The events must adhere to the relevant NSW Health advice, including having a COVID-safety plan, registration of all attendees, limiting the number of people in the venue, and attendees to remain seated as required at all events.