COVID-19 Support for Businesses

With forced closures and changes due to COVID-19, there's never been a more challenging time for businesses in Wollongong.

The 'health' of our local businesses and economy affects everyone in our city: business owners, employees, customers and their families.

Wollongong City Council is working to support and promote local businesses. We’ve heard from our business community that you need not just financial help, but also support to adapt and promote your goods and services.

We're introducing a range of initiatives to help you rebuild, recover and re-energise your business. And our ongoing business services are continuing to help you over the long term.

You can also visit our COVID-19 Community Support page to find resources available for individuals and families.

Council's COVID-19 support programs for businesses

Outdoor Dining
We're making it easier for businesses across the Wollongong area to offer COVID-safe outdoor dining options.
We Shop the Gong
Show your support for local businesses from Helensburgh to Windang, Dapto to Yallah.... We Shop the Gong!
Business Promotion and Activation
We're encouraging everyone to buy local and support businesses in our CBD and across the Wollongong region.
Assistance to Council Tenants
Assistance for businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19.
Creative Industries
Support for artists, makers, performers, producers and other creatives.

Past COVID support programs

Rates and Payments
Support for people struggling to pay their rates or experiencing financial hardship.
Wollongong Business Support Programs
Wollongong City Council has partnered with Investible to empower local businesses with education, support and tools to grow their business into the future.
Creative Wollongong Quick Response Grants
A program to help creatives in Wollongong impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
Fitness Trainers, Swim Schools and Surf Schools
Licence fees were waived to help outdoor fitness activities keep operating.
Food and Personal Grooming Inspection Fees
Public health inspection fees will be waived for cafes, restaurants, beauticians, tattooists and similar businesses.
Licencees of Community Facilities
We're offering financial support to groups who licence our community facilities.

Business support resources

Pick an option below to learn about some of our ongoing services and activities to support businesses across the Wollongong City Council area.

Business in Wollongong CBD
Information and support for businesses in the centre of Wollongong.
Business Response Webinars 2020
A series of free webinars presented in 2020 by Council and the Illawarra Business Chamber to support businesses adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Doing Business with Council
Learn about supplying goods or services to Wollongong City Council, and how we support local providers.
Free Resources and Advice
Free business advice programs provided by all levels of government.
Small Business Planning Advice
Council has a small business planning team who can help you work out what approvals you need for a new business.
Tenders, Quotations and EOIs
How to find information about current opportunities for tenders, quotes and EOIs, plus recently closed tenders.

Government support programs

The NSW Government and Australian Government have a range of programs and support options to help your business.

NSW Government Support and Advice for Businesses
Links to NSW Government programs, support and advice.
Australian Government Support and Advice for Businesses
COVID-19 advice and support provided by the Australian Government.