Queensland’s small-and-medium businesses will be given $5,000 in grants to help support their operations after being severely affected by the lockdowns.
Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said the $260-million worth COVID-19 Business Support Grant program would support businesses through the state’s current three-day lockdown.
“We know Queensland’s health response to COVID-19 has put us in the best possible position to recover from the pandemic, with nation-leading economic, jobs and retail sales growth,” Treasurer Dick said.
Though the state’s economy has recovered quickly from short sharp lockdowns, the damage the delta strain caused in other states and the double lockdown in a month has led the state government to announce the financial support package.
The 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants of $5,000 will be available to eligible small and medium businesses across all industries in the state, providing cash flow support to help them adapt to the circumstances.
The $5,000 payment is higher than most other states as the Queensland Government recognises the short interval between lockdowns and the circumstances faced by regional economies that are impacted by multiple border closures.
“I welcome the Federal Government’s declaration of a hotspot in the 11 local government areas and the assistance to individuals that declaration makes available,” Treasurer Dick said.
“I’m also calling on all councils in the 11 affected local government areas, and across other impacted parts of Queenslanders, to implement their own assistance measures for affected businesses.”
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer acknowledges the challenges the pandemic had been for small businesses.
“Small businesses are our friends and neighbours, they are the lifeblood of our communities. That’s why we put backing small business at the heart of our $14.2 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan,” Minister Farmer said.
“The best thing we can do for small business is to go early with short sharp lockdowns, and then get them open and trading again as soon as possible.”
The 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants adds to the other support programs the state government made available for small businesses. The Queensland Small Business Commissioner is also available to provide support and advice.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the current lockdowns around Australia had been particularly challenging for tourism operators.
“What I’ve been hearing from regular meetings with operators and Regional Tourism Organisations is just heartbreaking,” Minister Hinchliffe said.
“The Business Support Grants announced by the state government will help provide immediate relief for small to medium tourism operators and are in addition the $860 million in direct support for the industry’s recovery.”
The small business payments will be made through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA), with applications opening in mid-August.
SOURCE: QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT MEDIA RELEASE