The 2021 COVID-19 business grant provides support for businesses that experienced reduced demand or had to close due to the public health orders. It will support businesses with cash flow for the first 3 weeks of the Greater Sydney lockdown which started on 26 June 2021.

Eligible applicants across NSW can use the grant for business costs incurred from 1 June 2021, including:

• utilities, wages and rent
• financial, legal or other advice to support business continuity planning
• marketing and communications activities to develop the business
• the cost of perishable goods that can no longer be used
• other activities to support the operation of the business.

Applications will close at 11:59pm on 13 September 2021. 

To be eligible for the grant, you must:

• have an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
• demonstrate your business was operating in NSW as at 1 June 2021
• have had total annual Australian wages of $10 million or less as at 1 July 2020
• have had an aggregated annual turnover between $75,000 and $50 million (inclusive) for the year ended 30 June 2020
• have business costs for which there is no other government support available
• maintain your employee headcount as at 13 July 2021. See the guidelines for definitions.

Three different grant amounts will be available depending on the decline in turnover experienced over a minimum 2-week period from 26 June 2021 to 17 July 2021, compared to the same period in 2019:

• $7,500 for a decline of 30% or more
• $10,500 for a decline of 50% or more
• $15,000 for a decline of 70% or more.

Businesses and not-for-profit organisations on the NSW border with Victoria impacted by the stay-at-home orders that began on 27 May 2021 may use a different comparison period to demonstrate a decline in turnover. For each of the 3 grant amounts, these businesses must demonstrate a decline in turnover over a minimum 2-week period from 27 May 2021 to 17 July 2021.

• a MyServiceNSW Account
• your proof of identity
• your valid ABN/ACN number
• your business banking details for payment
• Australian income tax return or Notice of Assessment
• qualified accountant, registered tax agent or registered BAS agent details.

Evidence to support eligibility

If your business is on the highly impacted industries list, you’ll be required to:

• declare that you meet the eligibility criteria
• provide details of your qualified accountant, registered tax agent or registered BAS agent
• submit an Australian income tax return, Notice of Assessment or other documentation demonstrating the business had an aggregated annual turnover between $75,000 and $50 million (inclusive) for the year ended 30 June 2020
• lodge other supporting documents as required to demonstrate you meet the eligibility criteria.

If you’re eligible for the $15,000 grant, to receive the full amount, you must submit evidence that you experienced the relevant decline in turnover in the specified period. See the guidelines for more information.

If your business is not on the highly impacted industries list, you must:

• declare that you meet the eligibility criteria
• submit evidence that you experienced the relevant decline in turnover in the specified period
• submit an Australian income tax return, Notice of Assessment or other documentation demonstrating the business had an aggregated annual turnover between $75,000 and $50 million (inclusive) for the year ended 30 June 2020
• lodge other supporting documents as required to demonstrate you meet the eligibility criteria.

To show evidence of this decline in turnover, you’ll need to submit a letter from a qualified accountant, registered tax agent or registered BAS agent, using the template provided.

Alternative circumstances

If your business does not meet all of the eligibility criteria, you may be able to apply for the grant if you can provide evidence to support the alternative circumstances outlined in the guidelines.

Auditing requirements

Successful applications may be subject to an audit. Service NSW can request a combination of the following documents to support its determination of eligibility and use of funds in accordance with this grant’s Terms and Conditions:

• accountant’s letter
• prior BAS statements
• income tax declarations
• audited profit and loss statements
• receipts and invoices from purchases.

You’ll need to keep all documentary evidence relied upon in your application for a minimum of 5 years.

1. Check you meet the eligibility criteria.
2. Have your documentation and evidence ready for uploading.
   Note: You cannot save and resume your application once you’ve started.
3. Select the ‘Apply online’ button.
4. Log in, or create your MyServiceNSW Account.
5. Select and verify your identity documents.
6. When your identity is verified, select ‘Continue’.
7. Confirm your personal details.
8. Enter your business details and answer the eligibility questions, then select ‘Next’.
9. Provide information about your decline in turnover and upload your supporting documentation, then select ‘Next’.
10. Enter your bank details, then select ‘Next’.
11. Review your application.
12. Check the declaration boxes.
13. Select ‘Submit’ to complete your application.

When you submit your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your application reference number. If you do not receive this email within 5 minutes after completing your application, please check your junk mail folder, and then call 13 77 88 if you’re still unable to locate the email.

After your application is received, it will be reviewed by Service NSW. We’ll contact you if we need additional information to support your application. If your application is approved, we’ll transfer funds to your specified bank account within 5 business days from the approval date.

If you’re not able to complete your application online, please call us on 13 77 88.

• Only one grant is available for a single ABN.
• Multiple businesses under a single ABN are only eligible for one grant.
• The 2021 COVID-19 business grant cannot be used to cover expenses for which other government support is available, such as government fees and charges that would be covered by the small business fees and charges rebate.
• If you’ve received previous COVID-19 business grants, you can still apply for this new grant if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Service NSW Useful Information and Links 

• The 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant Information and Application page
• Jobsaver 2021 Information and Guidelines
• Micro-Business Grant 2021 Information and Guidelines
• Service NSW General Business Financial Support information Grants, Loans and Financial Assistance for Business
• Service NSW Business Support – Get Ready  To help avoid delays in completing your business support applications and to be notified on existing and upcoming Government financial support.