The National Retail Association (NRA) has welcomed a support package for business unveiled today by the NSW Premier and Treasurer.
The NRA has previously stated that the lockdown will cause a $2 billion hit to retailers in NSW, and the measures introduced today will provide some measure of relief to struggling business owners.
NRA CEO Dominique Lamb said that the financial support is targeted and timely.
“The NRA is pleased to see the NSW Government is working to soften the blow the lockdown has caused to retail. The grants for small business will provide relief for business owners who have undoubtedly been questioning how they will stay open.
“The Dine & Discover program is also an effective way to support local jobs and small businesses through the lockdown, and beyond, and we welcome the announcement that this will also be extended until the end of August.”
Ms. Lamb also praised the NSW Government for learning from the Northern Beaches lockdown.
“The $5,000, $7,000 and $10,000 grants will be available for small businesses that have a turnover of less than $10 million each year. What makes the difference here is that these funds will be available on 19 July – only a matter of weeks, instead of months, like the previous support packages.
“We are pleased to see that the NSW Government has taken feedback from industry associations and small businesses on board, and is providing the assistance that will help many retailers survive post-lockdown.”