The budget is expected to be handed down in June this year and the Illawarra business body has lodged a submission detailing its key priorities.

The government's response to the recent bushfires over summer top the list.

"The government's ongoing response to the 2019-20 bushfires will be front and centre of this budget, and should continue to adjust to the conditions on the ground," IBC executive direction Adam Zarth said.

Mr Zarth said funding should go beyond those business that can show they suffered property damage, rather than leaving those not directly affected to use low interest loans.

"There is an opportunity for financial support to be made available to indirectly impacted businesses and the budget should address this," he said.

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The IBC submission outlined a range of issues faced by businesses, which included a collapse in cash flow, a sharp decline in visitor numbers and concerns about paying mortgages and business loans.

It offered up a range of measures to address these issues, including payroll tax relief for 2020-21 similar to the Business Drought Assistance Program that provided tax relief during the Millennium Drought.

"Business failures will have a devastating and longer-lasting impact than foregone revenue and government should do all in its power to ensure their sustainability," the submission stated.

There was also scope to further increase the coverage of NSW government's recovery grants, according to the IBC, rather than have businesses sign up for a low-interest loan.

"Recovery grants are only available to businesses that have suffered direct damage to premises or tools of trade, which itself is too narrow in focus as it does not allow for flow-on effects for other businesses," the submission stated.

The possibility of providing $500 vouchers for businesses to get financial advice was also put forward by the submission.

A concept plan for the long-awaited upgrade to the WIN Entertainment Centre precinct also needed to be funded in the 2020 budget, according to the submission.

"For Wollongong to realise its potential as a regional conferencing and major event destination, the IBC considers that a modern purpose-built facility is required alongside new branded hotel stock (up to 400 rooms) and an appropriate mix of residential and commercial developments," the submission stated.