Business NSW, formerly the NSW Business Chamber say that three quarters of business owners believe their operations will survive the COVID-19 crisis, according to a flash poll they conducted.
The survey was conducted as part of a Tele Town Hall event involving NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, which had more than 3,000 chamber members on the line from across NSW, including the Capital and Far South Coast regions.
Asked whether they believe that their business would survive the current crisis, 72 per cent of respondents answered yes, while another 23 per cent said they were unsure. Just 5 per cent believed their business would be forced to close.
“These are very high numbers considering the impact the virus and the restrictions have had on businesses of all types and in all locations,” said Adam Zarth, Executive Director, Capital Far South Coast.
“The optimism and ‘can do’ attitude of business owners and their employees has never surprised me; however, this has been the ultimate test of their endurance and perseverance,” Mr Zarth said.
“The Treasurer too was heartened by these figures, and by the grit and resilience being shown by the business operators on the call – their determination to continue operations, paying their staff and supporting their communities was there for all to hear and see.”
“Of course, the big challenge for businesses will be in coming months when our way of life slowly starts to return to a new normal and the harsh reality of their true financial position becomes clear after government subsidies end for them and for their customers.”
“That’s why it is so important for everyone to continue to follow the directions of Government health authorities and obey the restrictions in place.”
“Business owners fully appreciate that the best way for them to return to normal, or in fact, the new normal, is by flattening, and then wiping out the curve.”
“The Business NSW has advocated for business owners and their staff to immediately download the COVIDSafe App as it advocates for a staged re-opening of businesses in the short term,” Mr Zarth said.
