Small businesses across South East QLD have been feeling the strain of the most recent Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, enforced on Saturday 31 July. For many, new restrictions bring a new wave of stress and uncertainty, leaving business owners confused and armed with plenty of questions.
At this stage, the lockdown is due to run for an additional week, ending at 4pm on Sunday 8 August. During this time, residents of lockdown zones are only permitted to leave the house for four essential reasons. To assist small businesses across the state doing it tough, the QLD Government has announced financial relief grants for those impacted.
The areas currently identified as a lockdown zone include:
- City of Brisbane
- City of Gold Coast
- City of Ipswich
- Lockyer Valley Regional Council
- Logan City
- Moreton Bay Region
- Noosa Shire Council
- Redland City
- Scenic Rim Regional Council
- Somerset Regional Council
- Sunshine Coast Regional Council
Let’s unpack the latest announcements, including what small business grants your business may be eligible for and how you can support your staff during this stressful time.
What is the QLD Covid-19 Business Support Grants?
Thousands of small businesses across QLD will be eligible to access government relief grants of $5000 (excluding GST).
The grant may be used for business expenses to support cash flow.
Who can receive a $5000 Business Support Grant?
Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that have experienced a 30% reduction in turnover due to the lockdown may be eligible for the grant.
Eligible SMBs do not have to be located in the affected lockdown areas, but they must demonstrate that they have been affected by the lockdown.
Is my business eligible for the Covid-19 Business Support Grants?
An SMB can access the grants if they meet the eligibility criteria:
- A turnover of more than $75,000 per annum
- Annual payroll in Queensland of up to $10 million
- Prove a 30% or more reduction in turnover as a result of the lockdown restrictions
More eligibility criteria will be announced on the Business Queensland website in the coming days.
How can I apply?
Applications for the grant will open in mid-August. Supporting evidence will be required to make an application and grants will be processed in the order that they are received. Check the Business QLD website regularly for more details as they become available.
What government support is available for workers?
The federal government is also providing the Covid-19 Disaster Payment for staff, with payments available from 1 July 2021.
o learn more and apply, workers must visit servicesaustralia.gov.au.
Which workers are eligible for government support payments?
Workers who are located in lockdown zones may be eligible for the Covid Disaster Support Payment. Eligible people will receive $750 per week if they lose 20 hours or more of work, while those who lose between 8 and less than 20 hours, will receive a payment of $450 per week.
To be eligible, workers must also meet these additional requirements;
- They must be an Australian resident or hold an eligible working visa
- They must be 17 years or older
- They must not already be receiving an income support payment, the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment, a state or territory pandemic payment or a state small business payment for the same period
- You lived in, worked from, or visited a Commonwealth-declared COVID-19 hotspot that is subject to a state-restricted movement order
- They must have had paid employment prior to the stay-at-home orders, and because of the lockdown they can’t attend work on or after day 8 of the lockdown
- They’ve lost income and don’t have any appropriate paid leave entitlements
More help for businesses
We wish your business all the best in weathering the latest Covid-19 lockdown. To help you get through this tough period, we’ve collected our best resources for small businesses.
- Government support for COVID-19 (VIC)
- Government support for COVID-19 (NSW)
- Vaccine sentiment report
- Managing COVID-19 vaccinations with Employment Hero
- Covid employee wellness survey template
- Flexible working policy template
If you’re looking for more information and support during this time, visit the Employment Hero Covid-19 Resource Hub.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is relevant as at 2 August 2021, and has been prepared by Employment Hero Pty Ltd ABN (11 160 047 709) (Employment Hero). The views expressed herein are general information only and are provided in good faith to assist employers and their employees. The Information is based on data supplied by third parties. While such data is believed to be accurate, it has not been independently verified and no warranties are given that it is complete, accurate, up to date or fit for the purpose for which it is required. Employment Hero does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy in such data and is not liable for any loss or damages arising either directly or indirectly as a result of reliance on, use of or inability to use any information provided in this article.
