A Dubbo-based organisation on a mission to empower start-ups reports of seeing a shared "sense of uncertainty" about the future, with the state in the grip of a worsening coronavirus outbreak.
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NSW recorded 172 new locally-acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm Monday, NSW Health reported.
Hospitality and accommodation industry members are among the businesses to report of a downturn at Dubbo since the Sydney outbreak.
From its base in the restored clock tower in the city's centre, The Exchange is focused on increasing the chance of commercial success of start-ups in the Orana region.
The Exchange customer experience manager Kate Wade has seen local entrepreneurs as they come up against the challenges presented by COVID.
"I have been working at The Exchange each day, and speaking with business owners about how they are navigating through these current times," she said.
There are mixed emotions.
- The Exchange customer experience manager Kate Wade
"There are mixed emotions.
"Some are already getting their COVID plans in place, thinking that it is inevitable that we too will be in lockdown.
"Others are feeling positive that we have made it this far and can only hope that things don't get worse.
"However, they do all share the same sense of uncertainty around what the future holds.
"At The Exchange we have been living by the saying - 'prepare for the worst, but hope for the best'.
"Pretty much sums it up."
On Monday, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian reiterated the government had put in place a support package for businesses experiencing a decline in turnover.
Among a suite of measures in the NSW government's COVID-19 support package, on Monday the Micro Business COVID-19 Support Grant became available for eligible businesses with a turnover of more than $30,000 and less than $75,000 that experience a decline in turnover of 30 per cent or more.
Eligible business will receive $1500, tax-free per fortnight of restrictions.
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