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Business

12 November, 2021

Clock ticking for COVID-19 Business Support Grant applications

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


Clock ticking for COVID-19 Business Support Grant applications - feature photo

More than 30,000 businesses have already received grants of up to $30,000, but Member for Cairns Michael Healy 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 COVID-19 Business Support Grants,” Mr Healy said. 

“As a result, $12.9 million is already in the bank accounts of 1,384 businesses in our local community, supporting existing jobs and helping create new ones. 

“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.” 

Piato Mediterranean Cuisine owner and grant recipient Elie Sopas said anyone who is serious about their business and supporting staff should apply. 

“The grant was a godsend in a way because it helped me with the wages of my wonderful team, and I have been able to keep them on,” Mr Sopas said. 

“This gives you the finances to stay open and that is so important because small business is not only crucial to the economy, but also to local employment.” 

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di 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 is 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.

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