2 weeks left to apply for COVID-19 Queensland Business Support Grants

The Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development, Di Farmer, said more than 30,000 business owners and sole traders have already been paid more than $279 million in Palaszczuk government COVID-19 Business Support Grants to help them overcome a drop in business due to Queensland’s August lockdowns and the border closure.

The joint state-commonwealth government grants of $1,000 to $30,000 are available to eligible businesses affected by the South-East Queensland and Cairns/Yarrabah lockdowns (31 July to 8 August) and the Queensland-NSW border closures.

Ms Farmer said the Queensland government is supporting small businesses with its $14.5 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

“If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, please make sure you jump onto Business Queensland’s COVID-19 support grants webpage and check the guidelines,” she said.

“You’ll need to apply before 5pm on November 16 if you employ staff or 5pm on November 30 if you’re a sole trader.

“Importantly, every eligible business that applies before the deadline will receive a grant.

“If your business suffered a drop in trade of more than 30 per cent and has turnover of more than $75,000 a year, you could be eligible for a grant of up to $30,000 depending on your payroll size.”

The government is also offering a further $47.55 million worth of measures for COVID-19 lockdown support for tourism operators, including tax deferrals, fee waivers and other assistance.

Businesses can go to www.business.qld.gov.au or call the Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687 to take advantage of the services available.