Small businesses boosted as deadline to claim flood recovery costs extended

Business owners impacted by floods in 2022 who are still waiting for quotes, materials or tradespeople to complete repairs will now have more time to submit claims for their grants.

Applicants still need to apply for the following grants by 30 June 2023, but once the application is successful the deadline for claims will be extended to 15 December 2023:

• Small Business $50,000 Grant for the February and March 2022 floods
• Northern Rivers Medium Business $200,000 Grant for the February and March 2022 floods
• Northern Rivers Commercial Property Grant for the February and March 2022 floods
• Small Business Grant for the June and July 2022 floods.

Business owners affected by the September 2022 floods will also have more time to apply for a $50,000 Small Business Grant, with the NSW Government extending the deadline for both applications and claims to 15 December 2023.

Claiming amounts up to $50,000 requires owners to provide evidence of all work paid for, but labour and supply chain issues have made it difficult for successful grant applicants to submit costs, quotes and receipts.

A number of grants for individuals will close on 30 June 2023 with people able to check which grants they may be eligible for by visiting Service NSW’s Disaster Assistance Finder.

More information and support services, including mental health support and flood preparedness resources, are available on the Service NSW website.

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:

“The NSW Government continues to work hard and assist communities impacted by floods.”

“We understand the challenges being faced by Northern Rivers businesses and those in other parts of the state who have faced unavoidable delays in securing tradespeople and building materials.”

“We are taking action to make sure people impacted by supply chain issues will still receive this vital support.”

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin said:

“Local businesses need time to complete repairs and access their full entitlement, for communities like Lismore and other heavily impacted Northern Rivers areas we need to do what we can to support them getting back on their feet.”

“While grants are just a small thing the Government can do, they have a big impact on the recovery efforts, which is why we are extending the claims deadlines.”