The Sydney Business Chamber says the NSW Government’s announcement of a grants program for Northern Beaches businesses hit hard by the Covid lockdown, will be a lifesaver for many small business owners.

“The recent three-week long hard lockdown hit local businesses during what would normally be their busiest trading period of the year and the funding will provide much-needed financial assistance to help them stay afloat,” said Katherine O’Regan, Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber.

“The tiered hardship grants of between $3,000 and $5,000 will assist badly affected businesses cover some of the expenses incurred as a result of the lockdown that prevented thousands of Sydneysiders from visiting their favourite holiday and day-trip locations from Manly to Palm Beach.”

“The Christmas and New Year hard lockdown caused great financial hardship to the beaches business community and those hit the hardest will benefit from this strategic and targeted temporary grants program.”
“Money to help cover the unexpected and unavoidable costs due to the lockdown is the best way to help small businesses stay afloat and keep workers on the books, after this major hit to their income, particularly after already suffering significant losses from last year’s lockdown.”

“The Government is also promising to help out over the longer term through promotion of the area as a great place to visit for Sydneysiders and domestic tourists now that most borders are open again.”

“The Northern Beaches hospitality and visitor economies will also soon benefit by inclusion in the Dine and Discover program following its trial in The Rocks, boosting the nighttime economy - as it will also do in the still struggling Sydney CBD.”