NSW Government Actions - 10th November 2020

The NSW Government unveiled their 20-Year Economic Vision to set out a clear pathway for ensuring that Regional NSW will continue to be a vibrant and growing part of our economy, and that people are supported in their decision to live in the regions.

The Vision is currently being refreshed to incorporate the challenges and opportunities for regional NSW associated with the impacts of the drought, bushfires and COVID-19.
 
Current Grants and Programs

Southern border small business support grant

Grants of $5,000 and $10,000 are available to support small businesses impacted by the closure of the NSW and Victoria border. The Southern Border Small Business Support Grant can provide immediate, short-term cashflow assistance to small businesses in 13 Local Government Areas affected by the southern border restrictions.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) production grants

The NSW Government is opening a $5 million grants scheme to establish a reliable, domestic supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) products that have been critical in the response to COVID-19 including masks, gowns, disinfectant, handwash and soap or their components. The grant scheme seeks to deliver assistance to manufacturers or businesses that:

• currently manufacture and can increase production
• are looking to "re-tool" and pivot their existing manufacturing lines to produce specified PPE products. This can also include the materials used to make those specified PPE products.

Export assistance

Small and medium exporters in NSW will benefit from the $12 million Going Global support program aimed at creating jobs and supporting the regions. The package includes assistance grants for exporters, tailored workshops and opportunities to explore new markets.

Export Assistance Grants up to $10,000 available for up to 1,000 export ready/ capable NSW businesses, helping them access new markets or re-enter ones where business has ceased.

TAFE NSW offer the following subsidised training:

• Mature Age Workers' Scholarships
• Women in Business
• Fee-free Traineeships
• Fee-free Apprenticeships
• Scholarships
• Foundation Skills for Your Future
• Destination Australia Scholarship

Regional Growth Fund

More than 2,100 projects approved across NSW (Total funds available $1.7bn)

• Stronger Country Communities Fund - $400m invested over 3 years across NSW in more than 1,000 projects
• Growing Local Economies - $500m to support job creation and economic growth, minimum grant $1m
• Resources for Regions - $50m for Rd 7 to assist mining related communities. Since 2012 $295m provided to 65 projects
• Bushfire Community Resilience and Economic Recovery Fund - Councils most impacted by bushfires provided with payments for between $100,000 and $250,000 per Council.
• Regional Cultural Fund - $100m invested in 136 projects across NSW
• Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund - 21 projects across NSW funded for between $1m and $10m
• Connecting Country Communities - $50m invested in Mobile Black Spots ($39m) and Broadband Internet access ($11m)