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2021 Covid Business Support Grant
In a bid to stave off the effects of two lockdowns in short succession in Queensland and the unique circumstances faced by regional economies who are impacted by multiple border closures, the Queensland Government has announced that $5,000 grants will be made available to small and medium businesses across Queensland affected by the current COVID-19 lockdown which commenced Saturday, 31 July 2021. Support payments will also be provided to affected large tourism and hospitality businesses within the lockdown areas. Things to consider:
The grant provides support to employing small and medium businesses across Queensland impacted by the South East Queensland lockdown. Your business doesn't have to be located in South East Queensland, but you must have experienced at least a 30% reduction in turnover as a result of the 31 July lockdown.
Small and medium businesses are defined as having:
· a turnover of more than $75,000 per annum
· an annual payroll in Queensland of up to $10 million.
The 11 local government areas subject to lockdown restrictions are:
· Brisbane City Council
· Gold Coast City Council
· Ipswich City Council
· Lockyer Valley Regional Council
· Logan City Council
· Moreton Bay Regional Council
· Noosa Shire Council
· Redland City Council
· Scenic Rim Regional Council
· Somerset Regional Council
· Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
Applications for the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants will open in mid-August. All eligible businesses who apply for a grant during the 3-month application period will receive funding. You will need to apply online with supporting evidence.
As more information regarding how to apply and further eligibility criteria becomes available, you will be able to access it on the QLD Government’s website.
COVID-19 Disaster Payment
South East Queensland has been declared a Commonwealth hotspot making Queensland workers (including sole traders) who are impacted by the lockdown eligible to apply for the Commonwealth Government’s COVID-19 Disaster payment of:
$750 pw for individuals who lose 20 or more hours of work during the period of the lockdown
$450 pw for individuals who lose between 8 and 20 hours of work, or a full day of work, during the period of the lockdown.
There is no liquid assets test to receive these payments. The payments will be available from day one of the lockdown, with claims made from day eight in arrears, and a weekly payment then made for the duration of the Commonwealth hotspot declaration.
You will be able to apply here when applications open.
More support available
If you are located in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area and are experiencing difficulties paying your rates, there are payment plan options available for you.
If you are struggling with the impact the past 18 months have had on your business, Beyond Blue have set up a coaching program to give small business owners, including sole traders the support they need.