Many businesses are fearing the end of JobKeeper, and Business NSW is right there with them.
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A recent survey highlights "stark, but not surprising" feedback, Business NSW regional manager Joe Townsend said.
However with support being offered by the government in the form of grants, Tamworth and the wider region's businesses are being urged to 'go for it'.
Local grant recipient Quality Inn Ashby House said the money was a real "lifeline".
The survey, conducted by Business NSW, saw two in five businesses say they would be closed without JobKeeper.
Mr Townsend said the survey confirms the government needs to think very carefully about how it winds back the scheme.
Especially considering more than one in three businesses said they have no plan after its scheduled end in September.
Half of businesses surveyed said they won't be able to maintain current hours and staff numbers when payments stop.
Business NSW has been saying for some time that September was going to be the month where the true impacts of the epidemic hit home.
- Joe Townsend
"Business NSW has been saying for some time that September was going to be the month where the true impacts of the epidemic hit home, with JobKeeper set to end and a number of deferral measures the banks initiated at the start of the pandemic also due to expire," Mr Townsend said.
He said they were supportive of more "targeted and tapered" support after September, especially for those dependent on international tourists.
The Quality Inn Ashby House were successful in their application for the $10,000 NSW government Small Business Support Grant in April.
General manager Kay Sweeney said that grant truly was a "life-line", and has already applied for the latest Small Business Recovery Grant of $3,000.
She said their cleaning staff are covered under the JobKeeper, and is "hopeful" despite this grant money unable to be put towards employment expenses already subsidised.
"We are hopeful, and working towards, the business being in a sufficiently strong position that business will be viable and able to cover all operating costs, including wage costs, from September onwards," she said.
In April, their business was down by 80 per cent.
Receipt of the grant monies was effectively a lifeline for us to continue to trade and keep our doors open, without going into debt, during the early stages of the travel restrictions.
- Kay Sweeney
"Receipt of the grant monies was effectively a lifeline for us to continue to trade and keep our doors open, without going into debt, during the early stages of the travel restrictions."
The money went towards paying electricity bills and council rates, which totalled over $9000 for the quarter.
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With COVID-19 safety precautions paramount, she says if successful, the $3000 grant money will go towards extra hygiene measures, and to help them "tweak" their online presence.
To apply for the small business grant, head to the Service NSW website.
