NSW Government Rolls Out Small Business Bushfire Information Webinar

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP today announced that local small businesses affected by the devastating summer bushfires can now take part in an online information session to access free advice about support available from the NSW Government.

Previously held face-to-face in regional towns across NSW, the information sessions have been converted to a webinar amid new social distancing rules resulting from COVID-19.

The webinar will cover a variety of topics including the Small Business Bushfire Recovery Loans and Grants, Disaster Assistance, Bushfire Business Concierge Services, Dispute Resolution, Business Advice, NSW Bushfire Clean-up, Part Qualification Funding and Workplace Mental Health.

“I know small business owners in the South East and Tablelands, Illawarra and Shoalhaven, Riverina Murray, North Coast, New England North West and Western Sydney area are doing it tough and they are still looking for advice on a number of issues,” Mr Ward said.

“I recommend anyone with a small business in regional NSW who has been impacted by the bushfires should register to participate in the webinars.”

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of every community and the information in these webinars will be helpful as they navigate the coming months.”

Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Disaster Recovery John Barilaro said that across the state almost 10,000 applications have been approved for the $10,000 small business grants to help small enterprises get back on their feet.

“While COVID-19 has presented a new challenge, bushfire recovery activity is a priority for the NSW Government and continues across the state,” he said.

“The support for those impacted by the bushfires has not disappeared, we are just having to adapt how we communicate that support given current restrictions.”

“The launch webinar that will be held at 6pm on Tuesday 7 April will include speakers from a range of Government departments including Service NSW, Training Services NSW, Business Connect and the NSW Small Business Commission,” he said.

“There will be time at the end for people to ask specific questions.”

Small business owners can register to participate in the free webinar launch at 6pm on Tuesday 7th April at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/nsw-small-business-bushfireinformation-webinar-tickets-101696631362

A recording of the webinar will be posted on the Service NSW website after the event. Small businesses can find out more about available support by visiting https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/bushfire-customer-care-service or calling Bushfire Customer Care on 13 77 88 from 7am to 7pm every day.