THE NSW Small Business Commissioner wants to hear from traders facing problems due to the border closure.
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Chris Lamont made the appeal on a webinar for border businesses hosted this week by the Murray-Riverina branch of Business NSW.
"I need a firsthand account of business experience, not the vibe, not what I've heard from someone down the road or some urban legend or myth, I need the actual experiences that businesses are having - good, bad are both welcome," Mr Lamont said.
"Through that we'll get good public policy outcomes, we'll get good support and assistance to small business."
Business NSW Murray-Riverina regional manager Andrew Cottrill, who hosted the webinar, also encouraged business operators with particular issues to bring them to him.
Topics put to the commissioner included concerns about border crossing rules, support for the accommodation sector and access to government assistance.
Mr Lamont said he was surprised by data showing a low take-up rate of $10,000 business recovery grants in the Albury area.
"That surprised me a little, so I really want to unpick that," he said.
"(It) suggests to me that people didn't need the grant or they weren't aware of the grant or didn't know how to apply."
Mr Cottrill suggested, based on word from an accountant, there were concerns about eligibility and a lack of flexibility to meet different business types.
Member for Albury Justin Clancy, who was in the forum, said NSW should have support for accommodation hosts similar to Victoria's.
He met Albury's federal MP Sussan Ley last week to discuss the fate of Jobkeeper.
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"They're aware that with Jobkeeper that there needs to be a migration but that doesn't mean it's an end of support, it's then about how do we make sure we're continuing to target the right support," Mr Clancy said.
Mr Lamont also flagged the needed for tailored assistance to those areas with specific issues such as the border.
"The border restrictions down there have their own impact," the former executive director of the Illawarra Business Chamber said.
"We need to look at tailoring support and assistance and advice, not just by types of business but by region and I think through that we'll get a better understanding on how to support businesses."
