Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison believes the NSW Government's Small Business Support Fund is 'too little, too late' and 'lacking in clarity' but Maitland Business Chamber has urged business people to be proactive in seeking assistance.
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On Friday, the state government announced a $750 million assistance scheme to provide grants of $10,000 for eligible small businesses.
"I've been approached in desperation by many Maitland business owners who say this latest measure is just nowhere near enough," Ms Aitchison said.
"In Queensland, we've seen emergency survival loans of up to $250,000. In WA there has been a commercial rent relief package," Ms Aitchison said.
"Here in Maitland, our local business owners are trying to support their staff emotionally, implement work-from-home measures where they can, and pay massive wage bills in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars until the Federal Government's Jobkeeper package comes in during May.
"Some say they are still not sure if they will be eligible for the package."
People need to get back to their professional service people because they are the people who know what small businesses are eligible for.
- Judy Brown
Ms Aitchison is also calling on Maitland businesses to reach out to her and tell their story to give the Government a clear picture of the economic situation in the Lower Hunter.
But Maitland Business Chamber president Judy Brown said small businesses needed to be proactive and contact their accountants and professional service people.
"People need to get back to their professional service people because they are the people who know what small businesses are eligible for. There's so much white noise. That's what accountants are for.
"So my advice is be proactive by getting on the front foot because accountants are spending a lot of time working out what will work best for their clients.
"Then we can get the feedback back from the accountants."
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