The COVID-19 Business Support Grants have been extended until lockdown ends on 2 September, the ACT and Federal Governments announced today.
Over the three-week lockdown period, the ACT COVID-19 Business Support Grants will provide up to $10,000 for employing businesses and $4,000 for non-employing businesses whose turnover has declined by 30 per cent or more because of the COVID-19 health restrictions.
Businesses must be registered and operate primarily in the ACT; have an annual turnover of more than $75,000; be registered for GST; and have a total payroll of less than $10 million. They will also need to prove their turnover reduced by 30 per cent.
The Commonwealth and the ACT Governments are co-funding the grants, and the Territory government will administer the program.
Businesses can register their interest for the grants and the Covid-19 Business Hardship Scheme on the Business Hub website.
The detailed guidelines and the application process are being finalised, and will be made available as soon as possible.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the extended package would help to keep businesses in business and people in jobs.
“Extended lockdowns are particularly hard for businesses, especially those who have experienced a downturn in trade for some months due to restrictions interstate.”
This arrangement is similar to those in place for businesses in other jurisdictions affected by COVID-19 lockdowns.
“The next few weeks will be tough for many businesses and small business owners,” said Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja.
“This support, together with the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Disaster payment, will assist businesses to stay connected with their employees, and be able to reopen and recover as quickly as possible when lockdown ends.”
The Federal Government would co-fund additional business support measures should the ACT Government put forward further proposals, he said.
The Federal Government has already given $2.1 billion to Canberra households and businesses, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said.
More details are available via www.act.gov.au/business/business-support/covid-19-economic-support-for-business
Read more:
