Some early information has been released by the Qld Government about business support packages available to businesses in Queensland during this latest lockdown of 11 LGA areas.
The following details are available on the Queensland Government website.
What’s the Grant For?
The Queensland Government recognises the short interval between lockdowns in South East Queensland, and the unique circumstances faced by regional economies who are impacted by multiple border closures. These $5,000 grants will provide cash flow support for businesses to help them adapt to evolving circumstances.
The grant provides support to employing small and medium businesses across Queensland impacted by the South East Queensland lockdown that commenced on 31 July 2021. 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 lockdown.
Who’s It For?
Your business may be eligible for financial support through the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants. $5,000 grants will be made available to small and medium businesses across Queensland affected by the COVID-19 lockdown that commenced on Saturday 31 July 2021 and lockdowns in other states.
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.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you:
- must employ staff (employees must be on your payroll and does not include any business owners)
- have an Australian Business Number (ABN) continuously held from 30 June 2021
- be registered for GST
- have a Queensland headquarters and have been trading in Queensland on 31 July 2021
- not be insolvent, or have owners or directors that are insolvent or an undischarged bankrupt
- must have an annual payroll in Queensland of not more than $10 million during any of the 2018-19, 2019-20 or 2020-21 financial years
- must have an annual turnover of more than $75,000 during any of the 2018-19, 2019-20 or 2020-21 financial years
- demonstrate the business was directly or indirectly impacted by a lockdown event
Regarding the impact of lockdown, you must show or declare a reduction in turnover of 30% or more for a 1-week period that includes at least 1 full day of the:
- South East Queensland lockdown commencing 31 July 2021
- Cairns and Yarrabah lockdown commencing 8 August 2021, or
- any other lockdown in Queensland in August 2021.
Regarding the reduction in turnover of 30% or more, you must demonstrate or declare you have experienced a reduction in turnover of 30% or more over a nominated 7-day period (including at least 1 full day of a lockdown event) compared against the same 7-day period in July/August 2019. If the 2019 period doesn’t indicate a typical weekly turnover, include another nominated 7-day period (e.g. the same period in July/August 2020).
How to Apply
You will need to apply online with supporting evidence through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) portal.
Grants will be processed in the order the Qld Government receives them. You will be paid the grant funds within 2 weeks of being notified that your application has been approved.
All eligible businesses who apply for a grant during the 3-month application period will receive funding.
Applications will open 12pm (midday), 16 August 2021.
Learn More
For more information, an eligibility checker, detailed eligibility criteria and additional details on how to apply, visit the Queensland Government website.
More Grants Coming
And in breaking news, a joint Queensland and Australian Government support package for Queensland businesses has been announced. The package includes support for non-employing sole traders and expands on support for small, medium and large businesses. As part of the package additional support for businesses that have had a decline in turnover of more than 30 per cent will include:
- A $1,000 one-off grant to non-employing sole traders across Queensland
- Tiered payments based on payroll size for all businesses across Queensland:
- A $5,000 one-off, top-up grant to small business with payroll of less than $1.3 million
- A $10,000 one-off, top-up grant to medium sized business with payroll between $1.3 million and $10 million
- A $25,000 one-off, top-up grant to large sized tourism and hospitality focused businesses with payroll of greater than $10 million.
These payments are in addition to the Business Support Grant detailed above. Further details will be announced in the near future.
