Orange region wineries battling from problems including the coronavirus, smoke taint and the drought have welcomed a potential cash injection from the state government.
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Orange Region Vignerons Association president Nicole Samodol said she expected many would apply for the Small Business COVID-19 Support Grant which provides $10,000 per business.
Wineries, cellar doors, distilleries, and microbreweries have been included in the scheme which is offering $550 million to small businesses hit by COVID-19 restrictions.
Ms Samodol said the initial application for the funding was confusing and some growers had not been able to claim it.
"Some producers were finding it quite challenging," she said.
Definitely many vineyards would have been under very significant stress.
- Nicole Samodol, president ORVA
However the government has now clarified the situation.
She said many wineries had been affected by the virus. "We've been severely impacted by the lack of visitation," she said.
Ms Samodol said wineries had asked the state government to widen restrictions and allow 10 people at a time to taste at cellar doors similiarly to cafes, pubs and restaurants now being allowed to have diners.
"We're seeking clarification," she said.
"We want to be responsible. We're keen to see that happen, many of us have the space to do that.
"We'd love to see people back at the cellar door."
Ms Samodol said she was unaware of any wineries in the region which had gone out of business but she said they were suffering from the downturn in trade.
"Definitely many vineyards would have been under very significant stress," she said.
Business NSW regional manager Vicki Seccombe urged wineries to claim for the grant before applications closed on June 1.
"They're doing it tough. Many of them didn't get a vintage this year because of the smoke taint [from bushfires]," she said.
"With $550 million still available, our advice to small businesses is to apply online or if in doubt call Service NSW on 13 77 88 to discuss your individual situation.
"The government has already approved 20,000 applications from the 29,000 received, so you stand a good chance of being successful."
To be eligible, businesses will need to meet criteria including having up to 19 employees, a turnover of more than $75,000 and a payroll below $900,000.
Ms Seccombe said they needed to show their turnover was down by 75 per cent due to COVID-19.
"This change is particularly important for Western NSW as we have many businesses that fall into the category of wineries, cellar doors, spirit distilleries and microbreweries," she said.
"The ongoing survival of this particular segment of our business community is critical. Many of our cellar doors, wineries, distilleries and microbreweries will play a key role in our local economic recovery through tourism."
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