The January Sensis Business Index showed increasing distress about the loss of the lifeline that saved hundreds of thousands of businesses from going under due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

The survey of 1000 small business owners/managers was conducted across all states and in 10 business sectors.

The survey found 22 per cent of the businesses surveyed had 50 employees or more and 53 per cent of businesses had been operating for more than 10 years.

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It showed over the past three months, those owners had experienced an increase of anxiety around the loss of JobKeeper payments.

However, Leeton Business Chamber president Krystal Roden was hopeful most entities in Leeton were moving forward with a positive mindset, despite the payments finishing next month.

"JobKeeper has definitely helped sustain business during this time, but I am confident that our businesses will be able to stand on their own two feet at the conclusion of this payment," she said.

"Most businesses (who have spoken with Mrs Roden) have said that the JobKeeper payment has been of great assistance to them during this time."

Some businesses may now decide to move onto the JobMaker program, which offers payments to businesses that increase their headcounts.

There is $200 per week available for employees aged 16 to 29 and up to $100 a week for employees aged 30 to 35.

Small businesses can begin claiming this now. In the meantime, Mrs Roden said it was important to remain positive.

"(Last year) was probably the most difficult year business owners will ever experience in their lifetime, so to have gotten through this shows great resilience," she said.

"Keep thinking outside of the box so that you are able to pivot your business if need be."

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