The value of support grants for businesses affected by COVID has doubled, Chief Minister Andrew Barr said yesterday while announcing a fortnight’s extension of the lockdown.
Employing businesses can receive $20,000, and non-employing businesses $7,500 – twice the amount announced last week.
“Our lockdown is working, but we are yet to see the public health risk reduce to the point that can safely end the lockdown,” Mr Barr.
“The COVID-19 Business Support Grants will help businesses suffering from significantly reduced turnover as a result of the necessary health restrictions to keep the transmission potential of COVID-19 below one.”
Jointly funded by the ACT and Federal Governments, the Grants are open to businesses with an annual turnover of more than $75,000, a total payroll of less than $10 million, and whose turnover has declined by 30% or more. Payment will be made in a lump sum on average within 30 days of correctly lodging an application. Businesses can apply for the grants through the online ACT Government’s Business hub.
As of Tuesday afternoon, 3,754 businesses had submitted an application, and 1,622 had begun their application. The ACT Government expects 10,000 businesses may be eligible.
Graham Catt, CEO of the Canberra Business Chamber, said businesses had gratefully received the grants. Many businesses had seen their turnover drop by 100% overnight while their costs remained unchanged.
“With the announcement that the ACT lockdown will last until at least 17 September, the news that these payments will essentially double for eligible businesses provides at least some good news.”
Mr Catt said he was aware that a high proportion of applications did not have the evidence required. “This can slow down the application process. We urge any business applying for support to make sure they understand the eligibility criteria and provide all requirements with their application.”
The Canberra Region Business Enterprise Centre, in partnership with the Chamber, will host a workshop tomorrow, Thursday 2 September, at 10am to walk through the application process and requirements. Register here.
To help business owners look after their own mental health and wellbeing, the ACT Government will run a webinar the following Thursday, 9 September (RUOK Day), in conjunction with local business leaders to help support the business community through the challenges of lockdown.
Business owners and operators can register for the webinar via Eventbrite.
“Thank you to the local business community for playing their part in helping to keep Canberra safe,” a government spokesperson said. “We know this isn’t an easy time for many businesses.”
Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja said the expanded support was necessary to support Canberra businesses and jobs during the lockdown extension.
“The Commonwealth has come to the table, and is ensuring Canberra businesses can access the urgent support they need.”
Anyone who has made an application does not need to make a new application – the new payments will be automatically applied if you are eligible. First payments are likely to be made in the coming days.
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the Federal and ACT governments were working together to ensure individuals and businesses in the ACT received support during this challenging time.
The Morrison Government, he said, had provided more than $66 million through the COVID-19 Disaster payment to more than 50,000 individuals in the ACT impacted by this latest lockdown.
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