More than $4.6 million in lockdown grants paid to small businesses

  • First small businesses paid the $2,000 Small Business Lockdown Assistance Grant
  • More than 2,300 applications have been approved and paid as part of first tranche
  • Perth, Rottnest and Peel small businesses impacted by Anzac Day long weekend lockdown can still apply for $2,000 payments
  • The McGowan Government has now rolled out more than $4.6 million to small businesses in Perth, Rottnest and Peel that were directly impacted by the Anzac Day long weekend lockdown.

    The Small Business Lockdown Assistance Grants program has seen more than 2,300 grants paid, in the first tranche, since it was launched on May 26, 2021.

    The grants are open to businesses affected by the Anzac Day long weekend restrictions to provide targeted cover to some direct costs and lost bookings due to cancellations and closures.

    The one-off $2,000 payment provides assistance to eligible businesses with an Australia-wide payroll of less than $4 million that have a valid ABN and are registered for GST purposes, with a turnover of more than $75,000.

    Businesses must have incurred losses of perishable goods, cancellations or other unforeseen costs as a result of the lockdown.

    Small businesses can still apply for the grant on the Small Business Development Corporation’s website at https://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au

    Small businesses and charities impacted by the COVID lockdown in February that do not have electricity supplied by Synergy or Horizon Power can also apply for a $500 electricity credit through the Department of Finance.

    The $500 credit is a McGowan Government initiative to offset the costs of electricity in response to the five-day lockdown between January 31, 2021 and February 5, 2021. 

    Applications for the electricity credit can be made until September 30, 2021 at https://www.wa.gov.au/energycredit

    As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:

    “Throughout the COVID-19 period, Western Australia’s small businesses have had to make significant sacrifices as we managed the impacts of the pandemic.

    “The Anzac Day weekend lockdown was a critical step to protect Western Australians from the threat of COVID, but it meant many businesses lost stock and endured the impact of cancellations.

    “I’d again like to thank the business sector for working so closely and productively with the State Government over the past 18 months.

    “Thanks to our strong COVID-19 response, Western Australia now has some of the strongest economic indicators in the world, which will continue to deliver positive outcomes for small business and the wider economy.”

    As stated by Small Business Minister Reece Whitby:

    “The Anzac Day weekend lockdown, while necessary, was tough on impacted small businesses. We thank everyone impacted for their understanding over this period.

    “It is encouraging to see so many eligible businesses take up the offer of assistance with $4.6 million paid out to help with some of the impacts of the lockdown. Applications remain open until June 30 and I encourage eligible businesses who have not applied to do so.

    “Small businesses help create vibrant, exciting communities and we want them to thrive throughout the COVID-19 period and beyond.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.