From cafes to country music singers, more than 30,000 business owners and sole traders have already been paid more than $279 million in Palaszczuk Government COVID-19 Business Support Grants to help them overcome a drop in business due to Queensland’s August lockdowns and the border closure.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer has urged businesses across the state to apply for the grants before they close in two weeks.
The joint State-Commonwealth Government grants of $1,000 to $30,000 are available to eligible businesses affected by the south-east Queensland and Cairns/Yarrabah lockdowns (31 July to 8 August) and the Queensland-New South Wales border closures.
“Here in Queensland, we didn’t have a lockdown that went for longer than three days until recently and that’s because Queenslanders have done an incredible job stopping Delta in its tracks,” Minister Farmer said.
“But we know the impact of COVID-19 is being felt.
“That’s why we put backing small business at the heart of our $14.5 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan and that’s why we are providing the COVID-19 Business Support Grants.
“If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, please make sure you jump onto Business Queensland’s COVID-19 support grants webpage and check the guidelines.
“You’ll need to apply before 5pm on 16 November if you employ staff or 5pm on 30 November if you’re a sole trader.
“Importantly, every eligible business that applies before the deadline will receive a grant.
“If your business suffered a drop in trade of more than 30 per cent and has turnover of more than $75,000 a year, you could be eligible for a grant of up to $30,000 depending on your payroll size.”
Queensland’s Jade Holland is a rising star of country music, but the August lockdown meant she had to cancel her performances and refund tickets.
Jade was thrilled to discover she could support her business team with a COVID-19 Business Support Grant.
“I have a manager, bookkeeper, public relations staff and others in my touring music business and suddenly we had no income, so the grant couldn’t have come at a better time, it really helped keep my business running,” Jade said.
“I didn’t know if I would qualify for this grant and initially it looked a little daunting but once I started the application it was actually quite easy.
“I would encourage everyone to apply because you just don’t know if you don’t give it a go.”
The COVID-19 Business Support Grants are just one element of the Palaszczuk Government’s $14.5 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
There are a further $47.55 million-worth of measures for COVID-19 lockdown support for tourism operators, including tax deferrals, fee waivers and other assistance.
Businesses can go to www.business.qld.gov.au or call the Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687 to take advantage of the services available.
Small businesses are encouraged to subscribe to the Small Business Connect newsletter for news and updates about grants and broader support for small business.
