Clock ticking for COVID-19 Business Support Grant applications

Queensland businesses impacted by the August COVID lockdown have one week left to apply for the Palaszczuk Government’s COVID-19 Business Support Grants.

More than 30,000 businesses have already received grants of up to $30,000, but Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer has urged those yet to apply to check their eligibility before it’s too late.

“Backing small business is at the heart of our $14.5 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan and that’s why we are providing the jointly-funded COVID-19 Business Support Grants,” Minister Farmer said.

“As a result, more than $283 million is already in the bank accounts of businesses across the state that were impacted by the August lockdown. 

“We want to see every eligible business apply in this final week because every eligible business that does before the deadline will receive a grant.

“Please ensure you get your application in before midnight on November 16 if you are an employing business or not-for-profit organisation.”

Wendy’s Forest Lake owner Desley Hable said the grant allowed her to give staff more hours than she would have been able to otherwise.

“It was a stressful time because the business costs don’t go away and knowing this grant was coming put me at ease to get through that time,” she said.

“I was able to use the grant on the business expenses that don’t go away regardless of your takings, things like franchise fees, rent and wages.

“I really encourage other eligible businesses to get in and apply for this grant because it’s easy to do if you follow the instructions and you would be foolish not to.”

Minister Farmer said the Business Queensland website is the best way to access the broad range of support available. 

“We are backing businesses with tailor made programs like our Mentoring for Growth service, Small Business Financial Counsellors and the Queensland Small Business Commissioner,” the Minister said.

“It's also time to see if you’re eligible for grants of between $30,000 and $100,000 in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program before it closes on Monday 22 November.

“This grant helps eligible tourism and hospitality businesses that have had turnover reduced by 70 per cent or more for any week between July and September, ensure that they are ready to scale up when interstate tourism returns in December.”

COVID-19 Business Support Grants are available to Queensland businesses that have a turnover of more than $75,000 a year and who had a 30 per cent reduction in turnover during the lockdown period from 31 July to 8 August.

Sole traders without staff have until 30 November to apply for grants of $1,000.

Visit www.business.qld.gov.au/supportgrants or call our Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687 for information on all supports available to Queensland businesses.

ENDS

Media contact:        Ben Brew       0468 839 551