Applications for the 2021 Micro Business Grant Now Open

The third NSW COVID-19 financial support package is now active and applications can be made via your MyServiceNSW account and using the links below.

Grants are open from 26 July 2021 to 18 October 2021

In this newsletter we will provide key information on the eligibility and information requirements for the grant. Additional information can be found on the Service NSW webpage by following the below links:

• Information on the payment, eligibility requirements and the application process can be found here: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/2021-covid-19-micro-business-grant
• The detailed grant guidelines can be found here: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/2021-covid-19-micro-business-grant-guidelines

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for the grant, you must:

• have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in, or demonstrate your business was primarily operating in, NSW as at 1 June 2021
• have had aggregated annual turnover between $30,000 and $75,000 for the year ended 30 June 2020
• have experienced a decline in turnover of 30% or more due to the public health orders over a minimum 2-week period within the Greater Sydney lockdown (commenced 26 June 2021 and due to end 30 July 2021), compared to the same period in 2019
• have business costs for which no other government support is available
• have not applied for either the 2021 COVID-19 business grant or the JobSaver payment
• maintain your employee headcount as at 13 July 2021 while receiving payments from this grant, if you're an employing business
• have this business as your primary income source, if you're a non-employing business such as a sole trader.

Eligible businesses and not-for-profit organisations that do not have any employees will receive $1,500 per fortnight. 

Payments will be made in arrears with the first payment backdated to 26 June.

Application Process:

The application for the grant is made via the MyServiceNSW account (click here to apply) and as such each business will need to complete the application. Please note that as tax agents we do not have access to this system and cannot complete the applications on your behalf. You can start the application by selecting “Apply Online” from the bottom of the following page: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/jobsaver-payment

Grants are open from 26 July 2021 to 18 October 2021

In order to complete the application you will need the following details:

• a MyServiceNSW Account (click here to apply if needed)
• your proof of identity
• your valid ABN/ACN number
• your business banking details for payment
• Australian income tax return or Notice of Assessment
• a business activity statement (if you are required to submit them)

Evidence Required:

In order to substantiate that your business has met the required drop in turnover Crispin & Jeffery will need to provide you with a letter confirming the following:

• The lowest fortnightly turnover over a minimum 2-week period within the Greater Sydney lockdown period (commenced 26 June) compared to the same period in 2019.
• The business turnover for the same period in June or July 2019
• The drop in turnover experienced in the selected period

If you intend to apply, can you please provide us with the above information, including substantiation where appropriate, and we will provide the required letter as soon as possible.

You will also need to submit evidence that the business had an aggregated annual turnover between $30,000 and $75,000 for the year ended 30 June 2020. This can be included in the same letter.

Additional Information:

• For non-employing businesses e.g.) sole traders, the business receiving payments must be the primary income source for the associated person. Non-employing businesses are not eligible to apply if persons associated with the business, and who derive income from it, have applied for, or are receiving, the Commonwealth COVID-19 Disaster Payment.
• There are several circumstances where a business may not meet the eligibility criteria and supporting evidence requirements, but still may be eligible for JobSaver. These circumstances include:
  • businesses not operating for the full year to 30 June 2020 (e.g. new businesses)  
  • businesses affected by drought, bushfires or other natural disasters 
  • business acquisition, disposal, or business restructure that has impacted the business' turnover 
  • a sole trader or small partnership impacted by sickness, injury or leave.
  • Businesses in these circumstances should contact Service NSW to determine if an alternate comparison period, or alternative supporting evidence, can be applied.
• Maintain their Employee Headcount:
  • means the employer will not take active steps to end the employment relationship with their employees. Employees who have been stood down under the Fair Work Act 2009 or take leave without pay are considered employees for the purpose of headcount. Businesses will remain eligible if their employee headcount declines for reasons outside the control of the employer, for example if employees voluntarily resign.