A re-elected Nationals Government will provide small businesses with up to $1,000 over two years to help cover the cost of government licenses, fees, and charges.
Small businesses are at the backbone of our economy and at the heart of local communities, as well as being one of the largest employers in the state.
We've already made it easier for small businesses by slashing payroll tax nine times since 2011 by increasing the payroll tax threshold by over $500,000 to $1.2 million, meaning thousands of small businesses no longer need to pay payroll tax.
Now we're putting an extra $1,000 back in the pockets of tens of thousands of small businesses over the next two years to cover the cost of a range of fees, like liquor licences, event fees and tradesperson licences.
Under the $40 million program, small businesses can apply for rebates of up to $500 per year over the next two years to cover a range of government fees and charges.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the rebate would take pressure off thousands of regional businesses.
"Small businesses fuel our regional economies so when we top up their tank, we help drive local economies," Mr Toole said.
"The steps we're taking to cut red tape and help them save on costs means more money in their pocket and more money they can invest in growing their business for the future."
The Government's new NSW Small Business Strategy 2023-26 includes:
• A new Start + Scale My Business program providing $1,000 for up to 10,000 small and micro businesses for professional advice to help them grow and expand their business
• A commitment to increase NSW Government expenditure through procurement with small business by $1 billion by 2027
• Reducing red tape through a NSW Red Tape Commissioner to deliver $1 billion red tape reduction and requiring any new regulation to result in an old regulation being cut
• Enable small businesses to pre-qualify as suppliers to the NSW Government through a single form by mid-2023
• Increase the threshold for direct procurement with small businesses (only requiring one quote) from $150,000 to $250,000 by mid-2023
• Offer simple contracts for all whole of Government prequalification schemes by the end of 2023, and roll out new simple contracts for key goods and service programs by the end of 2024
• Launch the Act Global small business program by the end of 2023 to help small businesses sell goods and services to customers overseas
• Target year-on-year increases in small business participation in mental health programs and resources developed specifically for small business owners.
To view the NSW Small Business Strategy 2023-26, visit nsw.gov.au/small-business-strategy
