Peter Gutwein,Premier
Jane Howlett,Minister for Small Business
The Tasmanian Government is committed to supporting our small businesses as we continue to transition to living with COVID-19.
We know that whilst some businesses have been trading successfully, some are doing it tough through this challenging period, and we are taking action to support them through the new COVID-19 Business Impact Support Program.
This program has been established to provide support to Tasmanian businesses whose business operations have been impacted since our borders reopened on 15 December, 2021, either because of a loss of staff due to COVID-19 quarantine and isolation requirements, or a significant COVID-19 related downturn in business turnover.
The first tranche of the program will be for businesses that have been impacted during the period from 15 December 2021 through to today, 14 January 2022.
Funding of between $1000 and $5000 will be available to eligible businesses, depending on business size.
Additional support will also be available to businesses that have experienced an unavoidable loss of perishable goods.
To be eligible, businesses must have had a COVID-19 Safety Plan and a completed risk assessment in place and, where required, a COVID-19 Case and Outbreak Management Plan, along with using the Check in Tas app.
Importantly, this package will provide welcome support for businesses on King Island that were impacted by the recent outbreak.
Through Tourism Tasmania, the Government will also work closely with King Island tourism organisations and operators to promote the island through its marketing program to build demand for this summer season and beyond.
In addition, major events, registered for 1000 tickets or more under the Events Framework, operating between 15 December and 14 January, that have been financially impacted by COVID-19 are encouraged to contact Business Tasmania to register their impact.
This includes major events planned to operate during this time, where they announced their cancellation after 15 December, with targeted financial assistance to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Since the start of the pandemic, we have provided nation-leading support to our small business sector. Tasmanian businesses have received more than $160 million in COVID specific support programs.
This additional support is further evidence of our commitment to supporting the business community as we adjust to the rapidly changing environment and continue our transition to living with COVID-19.
Guidelines for the new COVID-19 Business Impact Support Program will be available on Monday 17 January 2022 and applications will open at 2pm on Wednesday 19 January 2022.
Affected businesses can find out more at www.business.tas.gov.au
