COVID-19 support packages are available. With COVID-19 still causing havoc around the country and with the safety net of JobKeeper no longer available, there are a number of support packages on offer by state, territory and federal governments.
COVID-19 Support Packages for NSW Business
The NSW Government will be offering financial support to businesses or not-for-profit organisations impacted by the recent COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders. A new business support payment will be available for those with an annual turnover between $75,000 and $50 million who can demonstrate a 30% decline in turnover. Eligible entities, including not-for-profits, will receive $1,500 to $10,000 per week based on the level of their payroll. For sole traders, payment will be set at $1,000 per week.
COVID-19 business grant: if you’re a business, sole trader or not-for-profit organisation impacted by the current Greater Sydney COVID-19 restrictions, you may be able to apply for a grant of up to $15,000. To be eligible for the grant, you must have an active Australian Business Number (ABN), demonstrate your business was operating in NSW as at 1 June 2021, have had total annual Australian wages of $10 million or less as at 1 July 2020, have had an aggregated annual turnover between $75,000 and $50 million (inclusive) for the year ended 30 June 2020, have business costs for which there is no other government support available, maintain your employee headcount as at 13 July 2021.
Micro business grant: if you’re a micro business (small business or sole trader with annual turnover of more than $30,000 and under $75,000) impacted by the current Greater Sydney COVID-19 restrictions, you may be able to apply for a $1,500 payment per fortnight of restrictions from late July 2021.
More information can be found on the Service NSW website.
COVID-19 Support Packages for VIC Business
The Victorian Government has announced that Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 and Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two relating to the May-June lockdown will receive new support payments of $3000 and $2000 respectively. The July 2021 Top-Up Payment provides additional support to eligible small to medium businesses in sectors affected by the current restrictions in metropolitan and regional Victoria. These payments will be processed automatically in July 2021.
To be eligible for the July 2021 Top-Up Payment, businesses must have successfully applied for the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two or the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021. Businesses that are ineligible for a grant under the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two or the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 are not eligible to receive the July 2021 Top-Up Payment.
For further information, see the July 2021 Top-Up Payment page, as well as the frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Businesses may also be eligible for other assistance through other Victorian Government programs.
COVID-19 Support Packages for QLD Business
Although not under the same strict restrictions as NSW and VIC, there is also business support for Queensland business.
Business Boost Grants Program provides support to businesses to advance improvements in their efficiency and productivity. You may be eligible to receive a grant payment of $15,000 (excluding GST) on completing your proposed project.
Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program is closed for SEQ, and open for regional Queensland businesses now.
Support for relief for liquor and gaming licensees affected by COVID-19. Support includes waiving 2020–21 liquor licensing fees for current licensees as at 30 June 2020, payroll tax relief, funds for re-training and job-matching, and providing a $500 rebate on electricity bills.
COVID-19 Disaster Payment for Workers
COVID-19 Disaster Payment is a payment to support workers who are unable to work due to a state or territory public health order that imposes restrictions on movement, such as a lockdown. The Payment is available for the second and any subsequent weeks of restrictions.
To be eligible you must live or work in an area that is subject to a state or territory public health order that imposes restriction on movement and is declared a Commonwealth COVID-19 hotspot; or you have visited an area that is a Commonwealth COVID-19 hotspot and you are subsequently subject to a restricted movement order when you return home. You must also be at least 17 years old, be an Australian resident or hold a visa class permitted to work in Australia, have lost more than 8 hours of work or a full day of your usual work as a result of the restrictions, for week two of the restrictions only have access to liquid assets of less than $10K, not be receiving a number of other support payments, not have access to appropriate paid leave entitlements.
You can claim online via a myGov account linked to Centrelink online, or by contacting Services Australia.
More information can be found in this factsheet and the Services Australia website.
Other COVID-19 Support Packages
Your insurance company may offer financial relief if your business has been affected by COVID-19. Visit the Insurance Council of Australia, or talk to your insurer, for more advice. More information here.
Your energy or water provider may offer financial relief if your business has been affected by COVID-19. Visit the Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland, or talk to your provider, for more advice. More information here.
Your phone or internet provider may offer financial relief if your business has been affected by COVID-19. Visit the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman for more advice. More information here.
Assistance is available for commercial tenants to help manage lease and rental obligations. More information here.
And of course we are here to help where we can.
We are here to help
And of course we are here to help where we can. If you need any further assistance, please get in touch.
