A Sunshine Coast recipient of a pandemic support grant is encouraging all eligible small businesses to apply for the government funding.
Adam Tomlinson, of Nambour’s Stalwart Brewing, is one of thousands of business operators affected adversely by pandemic lockdowns and wants small business owners in a similar situation to apply for the COVID-19 Business Support Grants.
“I encourage all small businesses to apply for this grant because this is time where cash flow is a huge challenge, and this helps prop up working capital,” he said.
“I’m determined to make my business survive, so this grant will let me pay wages, rent and cover the loss of food that couldn’t be used in the lockdown.
“We all want small businesses to grow and succeed and survive so these grants are a wonderful assistance.”
Business owners across the region are receiving a little ray of sunshine in the form of the grants, which offer up to $30,000.
Almost 1500 Sunshine Coast small businesses have so far benefitted from the program, which is jointly funded by the State and Federal governments.
The program provides grants to businesses impacted by Queensland lockdowns.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said more than $108 million had been sent out to businesses across the state.
“Here in Queensland, we didn’t have a lockdown that went for longer than three days until very recently. And Queenslanders did an incredible job to stop Delta in its tracks,” Ms Farmer said.
“Just like we were the first state to introduce a COVID economic stimulus package last year, we acted quickly again: applications for this support opened just one week after that lockdown ended and the first payments were being made the very next day.”
Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton (pictured) said Sunshine Coast businesses should check their eligibility to apply if they hadn’t already.
“Applying is straightforward, with template letters provided to make the process easier,” he said.
“We’ve doubled the number of staff working on the grants which means we’ve already processed thousands of applications.
“I want to be really clear: any eligible business on the Sunshine Coast that applies will receive the grant.”
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Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said the COVID-19 Business Support Grants was just one part of the Government’s $14.2 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
“The best thing we can do for businesses is ensure our economy is growing, do everything we can to ensure any lockdowns are short and sharp, and keep businesses open and trading,” Mr Hunt said.
“But we know businesses across the Sunshine Coast are feeling the impact of COVID-19 which is why we are providing this support, along with a $10,000 cleaning rebate for COVID exposure sites and nearly $50 million for tourism and hospitality businesses.
“We’ve also recently announced a further $40 million of support for tourism businesses, giving those who’ve seen a 70% reduction in turnover grants of up to $50,000.
“In addition, on the Sunshine Coast we’ve provided nearly $17.5 million in COVID-19 Small Business Adaptation Grants, almost $90 million in Jobs Support Loans, $16.7 million in payroll tax relief, and a range of other measures in our $140 million Big Plans for Small Business strategy.
“There’s also one-on-one support available, through our tailored Mentoring for Growth service, Small Business Financial Counsellors and the Queensland Small Business Commissioner.”
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the website or call the Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687.
