Home topics news Image credit: Mariah Solomon on Unsplash News Small Business News NSW announces support for SMEs amid the latest lockdown Yajush Gupta June 29, 2021 The NSW government announced a major new stimulus package and adjustments to the Dine & Discover programme to assist small businesses and sole traders across the state who are likely to be affected by the ongoing two-week lockdown. The package includes: Grants of between $5000 and $10,000 for small businesses, depending on annual turnover Payroll tax deferrals for all employers Extension Dine & Discover programme through August 2021 More than $11 million for increased support for people at risk of homelessness Assistance to vulnerable temporary visa holders, asylum seekers and refugees An optional deferral of payroll tax payments due in July 2021 and the deferral of hotel June quarter gaming machine tax The resurgence of COVID-19 cases and new lockdowns in the state of NSW prompted concerns among small businesses, who are once again at risk of temporary closures and further losses. The government had earlier extended the stay-at-home orders to Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour until July 9. The small company support grants, according to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, would assist businesses by reducing cash flow restrictions during restricted trading. The stimulus support can help businesses cover expenses such as rent, utilities, and wages for which there is no other government assistance available. “We always said we would do whatever it takes to support businesses and keep people