5 March 2022
The Territory Labor Government will increase the hardship payments available to small businesses through $3 million hardship program for downturn experienced during the Omicron strain.
Eligible employing businesses with a decline in turnover of 60 per cent or more, will now be able to access a payment of $9,000 – triple the original payment.
While eligible sole traders can now access a payment of $3,000.
Eligible employing businesses with a 40 per cent to 60 per cent decline in turnover will be able to access a payment of $6,000, while eligible sole traders can access a payment of $2,000.
The Business Hardship Register 2.0 opened last month, and so far 311 applications have been submitted, with more than $285,000 approved for funding so far.
In addition to the payments, eligible businesses can apply for a waiver on payroll tax, and a 30 per cent reduction on utility bills from January 2022 to March 2022.
Businesses that have applied and deemed eligible do not have to register again, they will automatically receive the additional payments.
Applications for the hardship register have been extended to March 21.
