The 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants program, jointly funded by the Palaszczuk and Commonwealth Governments, provides grants to businesses impacted by Queensland lockdowns.
In addition to the recent extension to border zone businesses affected by the recent border closures with New South Wales, regional Queensland businesses are also encouraged to check their eligibility to apply for the COVID-19 Business Support Grants. Businesses that were affected by the most recent Queensland lockdown may be eligible for the grant, even though their area may not have been within the lockdown border itself.
Minister for Employment and Small Business, Di Farmer, said more than $108 million had been sent out in total to businesses across Queensland.
Over 600 Cairns small businesses have received grants of up to $30,000.
Member for Cairns, Michael Healy, said Cairns businesses should check their eligibility to apply if they haven’t already.
“Applying is straight forward, with template letters provided to make the process easier. We’ve doubled the number of staff working on the grants which means we’ve already processed thousands of applications,” Mr Healy said.
“I want to be really clear: any eligible Cairns business that applies will receive the grant.”
Small and medium businesses in Bundaberg are also being encouraged to see if they’re eligible for grants of up to $30,000.
“If your business saw at least a 30% reduction in turnover during the recent Queensland lockdowns, even though Bundaberg wasn’t in lockdown itself, you could be eligible for a grant,” Minister Farmer said.
Member for Bundaberg, Tom Smith, said businesses should get in touch if they have any questions.
“We’ve had fewer than 50 applications from Bundaberg, and we want to make sure businesses know what support is open to them,” Mr Smith said.
“Businesses, make sure that you don’t rule yourself out before calling the Small Business Hotline, checking your eligibility and asking any questions you may have.
“I want to be really clear: any eligible business or sole trader in Bundaberg and the Wide Bay region that applies will receive the grant.”
Dale Sumner of C Bargara Resort at Bargara strongly encouraged other affected businesses to apply for the grant.
Speaker of the Queensland Parliament and Member for Mulgrave, Curtis Pitt, said COVID-19 Business Support Grants are just one part of the government’s $14.2 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
“But we know businesses in Far North Queensland are feeling the impact of COVID-19 which is why we are providing this support, along with a $10,000 cleaning rebate for COVID exposure sites and nearly $50 million for tourism and hospitality businesses,” Mr Pitt said.
Mr Smith said the COVID-19 Business Support Grants are just one part of the government’s $14.2 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
“$5,000 Business Basics Grants for regional small businesses are still open but we expect these to close soon, so get your application in now.
“We’ve also recently announced a further $40 million of support for tourism businesses, giving those who’ve seen a 70% reduction in turnover grants of up to $50,000.
“In addition, in the Wide Bay area we’ve provided more than $8.4 million in COVID-19 Small Business Adaptation Grants, more than $32 million in Jobs Support loans and more than $6.5 million in payroll tax relief.
“There’s also one-on-one support available, through our tailored Mentoring for Growth service, Small Business Financial Counsellors and the Queensland Small Business Commissioner.”
For more information on the COVID-19 Business Support Grants visit here.
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