Released 26/08/2021 - Joint media release
Canberra businesses significantly impacted by the ACT’s current lockdown can now apply for grants of up to $10,000 for employing businesses and up to $4,000 for non-employing businesses.
In implementing the lockdown, our goal is to suppress this outbreak as much as possible and avoid significant public health impacts.
An early lockdown is the best approach to avoiding extended periods of restrictions on business activity that have been months and months long elsewhere around the Australia and the world.
Last week, the ACT Government reached an agreement with the Commonwealth Government to provide a jointly funded Business support program based on similar programs in States impacted by the virus.
ACT businesses who have experienced a decline in turnover of 30% or more during the lockdown and have an annual turnover of more than $75,000 per annum are eligible.
The Government has been working with industry stakeholders on the design of the scheme. We want to ensure that the right businesses can access the right support. It is estimated around 10,000 local businesses could be eligible for the grants, with 8,500 local businesses already expressing an interest in the scheme.
We estimate that the program will cost around $75 million with costs shared 50/50 with the Commonwealth.
The program is designed to be flexible and accommodate an extension of the lockdown should it be required based on the public health advice at the time.
Businesses can apply at any time until 7 October 2021 and will not have to submit individual applications for each week.
Payment will be made in a lump sum on average within 30 days of receiving a correctly lodged application.
This program is in addition to the COVID-19 Small Business Hardship Scheme and a number of other industry specific support packages.
Any Canberran who is unable to earn an income during the lockdown may also be able to access payments of $200 to $750 through the Commonwealth Government’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment administered through Services Australia.
Businesses can apply for the grants through the online ACT Government’s Business hub. The Canberra Business Advice and Support Service is also available for any local business owners seeking free, specialised advice on their circumstances.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases