It's happening again. We've been thrown into another snap lockdown with just a moments notice. This time the announcement was perfectly made on a Saturday morning, just as restaurants were food prepping, brides were mid-make up and festivals were opening their gates.
We could rant for hours about the devastating impact this has (yet again) on our fellow small business owners, freelancers and creatives but instead we're here to let you know of some new financial support options available for those of us that have been impacted.
If you're in Queensland
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. These $5,000 grants will provide cash flow support for businesses to help them adapt to evolving circumstances.
You could also be eligible for the Australian Government's COVID-19 Disaster Payment. This is a lump sum payment to help workers unable to earn income due to a COVID-19 state public health order. This may involve a lockdown, hotspot or movement restrictions.
If you're in New South Wales
We're all aware of the continuous and lengthy lockdowns in New South Wales. *Long exhale* Thankfully the New South Wales Government has released a number of support measures, including COVID-19 Business Grants ranging in value from $7,500-$15,000.
You could also be eligible for the Australian Government's COVID-19 Disaster Payment. This is a lump sum payment to help workers unable to earn income due to a COVID-19 state public health order. This may involve a lockdown, hotspot or movement restrictions.
If you're in Victoria
Most Victorians are lockdown veterans by now. And finally, the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments have announced a new, jointly funded business support package, delivering an additional $400 million in support to thousands of Victorian businesses.
Support is now available to a huge number of Victorian businesses across a range of industries, with everything from tenancy support to events and live performance funding.
You could also be eligible for the Australian Government's COVID-19 Disaster Payment. This is a lump sum payment to help workers unable to earn income due to a COVID-19 state public health order. This may involve a lockdown, hotspot or movement restrictions.
If you're in South Australia
For out South Australian friends, small and medium-sized businesses forced to close as a result of the state’s lockdown (beginning 20 July 2021) may be eligible for a $3,000 emergency cash grant as part of a major financial assistance package announced by the Government of South Australia.
Small businesses who don't employ staff (ie. sole traders) may be eligible for $1000.
You could also be eligible for the Australian Government's COVID-19 Disaster Payment. This is a lump sum payment to help workers unable to earn income due to a COVID-19 state public health order. This may involve a lockdown, hotspot or movement restrictions.
If you're in Western Australia
The Western Australian government has announced a number of small business stimulus relief packages, including $3,000 lockdown assistance grants, electricity offsets and $17,500 automatic payroll grant payments.
If you're in Tasmania
Business Tasmania is helping out our Tassie creatives with a suite of support, grant and loan options alongside free business advice and digital coaching.
If you're in the Australian Capital Territory
Fear not, we haven't forgotten our beautiful Australian Capital Territorians! The ACT Government is delivering a range of measures to support local business and industry during the COVID-19 pandemic with financial support, fee waivers, exemptions and more.
If you're in the Northern Territory
And last but not least, our friends in the north! For those of you in the Northern Territory, your state government has pulled together a Territory Business Lockdown Payment Program to provide immediate financial support to businesses during a lockdown period.
They have a bunch more of support options available, such as funding for artists and art workers affected by the COVID-19 lockdown.
