Hello again fellow music people,
These updates are coming thick and fast, so listen up!

 

  • COVID-19 Disaster Payment increased to $450 (between 8 and 20 hours lost) and $750 per week (20 hours or more lost) from 2 August 2021

 

  • Now open to NSW, VIC and SA ~ More info found here

 

  • NSW JobSaver extended to businesses with a turnover up to $250m from $50m and increased to up to $100,000 per week (from 18 July 2021).
    • Applications now open here

 

  • New and extended VIC grants announced including:
    • Business Continuity Fund – eligibility based on Business Costs Assistance Program.
    • Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 – extended funding
    • Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme and Landlord Hardship Fund
    • Small Business COVID Hardship Fund – new fund for those ineligible for other grants and funding
    • Alpine Business Support Program – extended funding

 

There will be more to come on this but for now, see below for a refresher on what may be available to you or your business.

2021 COVID-19 Business Grant of up to $15,000 (NSW)

The previously announced small business grants have been increased to up to $15,000 and expanded to eligible businesses (including not-for-profits and sole traders) with annual wages of up to $10 million.

 

The value of the grant is determined by the impact of the lockdown on your turnover.

Your business will need to prove a decline in turnover across a minimum 2 week period after the commencement of the major restrictions.

 

 

 

Applications are now open through ServiceNSW.

 

Job Saver Support (NSW)

A cashflow payment between a minimum of $1,500 and maximum of $100,000 per week based on 40% of the NSW payroll payments of your business (including not-for-profits).

 

Businesses without employees that meet the eligibility criteria such as sole traders, will be able to access a payment of $1,000 per week.

 

Eligibility:

  • Annual turnover between $75,000 and $250 million
  • Demonstrate a 30% decline in turnover
  • Maintain your full time, part time and long term casual staffing level as of 13 July 2021
  • Impacted by the current Greater Sydney COVID-19 restrictions

 

The full eligibility details, including the details on the turnover test and how the headcount will work have not been released as yet.

 

Applications are now open through ServiceNSW.

 

$1,500 Micro Business Grants (NSW)

A new grant for micro businesses (including sole traders) providing $1,500 per fortnight while lockdown restrictions apply. The grants are available from week one of the lockdown until restrictions are eased.

 

Eligibility:

  • Annual turnover of more than $30,000 and less than $75,000
  • Demonstrate a 30% decline in turnover
  • Impacted by the current Greater Sydney COVID-19 restrictions

 

Applications for the cashflow support have not yet opened but you can register your interest from 14 July 2021 through ServiceNSW.

Payroll tax relief (NSW)

There have been a few payroll tax deferrals due to the lockdowns, but important to note that previous payroll tax deferrals and payment arrangements for 2020-21 due in July 2021 have not been deferred.

 

Further details of the specifics found here  RevenueNSW.

 

Rent protections and grants  (NSW)

Commercial and retail rent protections will be reinstituted.

 

Land tax relief equal to the value of rent reductions provided by commercial, retail and residential landlords to financially distressed tenants will be available for up to 100% of the 2021 land tax liability.

Arts community support (NSW)

A $75 million support package will be provided to the performing arts sector to be administered by Create NSW.

 

Eligible organisations include performing arts organisations with heavy reliance on box office income, including not-for-profit performing arts companies who were staging, or scheduled to stage performances during the lockdown period, commercial producers and some live music venues.

 

Applications are now open via CreateNSW.

 

If you’re a performing artist, we recommend speaking to your venue/ promoter ASAP.

 

COVID-19 Disaster Payments

The COVID-19 Disaster Payment is a weekly payment available to eligible workers who can’t attend work or who have lost income because of a lockdown and don’t have access to certain paid leave entitlements.

 

Payments range from $450 – 750 depending on how much work has been lost due to lockdown.

 

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment

The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is for those who have been advised by their relevant health authority to self-isolate or quarantine.

 

If you are eligible, the payment is $1,500 for each 14 day period you are advised to self-isolate or quarantine.

 

If you are uncertain of your eligibility, talk to Services Australia.

 

We suggest you ensure your business details are up to date on the Australian Business Register, and that you have a MyServiceNSW account with a business profile