With restrictions and lockdowns ongoing across Australia, many businesses are still in the process of recovery. While nothing guarantees at easy road back to ‘normal’, state governments have put in place a number of initiatives to make things easier on business owners and help you bounce back from economic hardship.

Here you’ll find a list of grants, support packages and various forms of aid for business owners, divided by state:

Victoria:

• Cash Support For Victorian Businesses During Lockdown

  • The Victorian Government will provide new cash grants for businesses affected by short lockdown protocols. Automatic payments will be made eligible businesses and sole traders across the state to minimise delays.
  • Workers affected by the public health restrictions are now eligible for payments such as:
    • Payments of $600 to Victorians who lose 20 hours or more of work during the period of lockdown
    • Payments of $375 to Victorians who lose between 8-20 hours of work during the period of the lockdon.

• Small Business Energy Saver Program

  • This program aims to deliver eligible businesses in Victoria with a discount of up to 85% of the installation price of energy efficient equipment. Small businesses could be eligible for upgrades such as:
    • Replacement of inefficient systems.
    • Installation of energy-efficient fridges, freezers and fans.
  • Although this grant is not open on the date of this article being published, you can register your interest using the link above.

• Business recovery and resilience mentoring:

  • This mentoring program will help small business owners navigate the recent economic challenges.
    • The program offers guidance on:
      • Business recovery.
      • Digital literacy and engagement.
      • Reskilling and retraining.

• Jobs Victoria Fund:

  • This fund is providing $250 million in wage subsidies, assisting Victorian businesses to employ at least 10,000 people across all sectors. This fund provides wage subsidies of up to $20,000 for eligible employers who hire eligible jobseekers.

New South Wales:

• COVID-19 Business Support Grants:

  • A one off payment to help businesses with cashflow support for the first 3 weeks of lockdown. Eligible businesses will be able to receive up to $15,000 depending on the decline in turnover.
  • Note: Applications open today!

• Jobs Plus Program:

  • This program is open to Australian and international companies looking to start or expand their business operations in New South Wales. Eligible businesses can receive benefits such as subsidised training package rebates, infrastructure rebates and more.

• JobSaver

  • Fortnightly payments to help maintain employee headcount (as at July 13) and provide support to businesses. Eligible employing businesses are able to receive 40% of weekly payroll, with a minimum payment of $1,500 per week and maximum payment of $10,000 per week.
  • Note: Applications open late July

• COVID-19 Micro Business Grants

  • Fortnightly payments for businesses with a turnover between $30,000 and $75,000. Eligible businesses will receive $1,500 per fortnight.
  • Note: Applications open late July

Australian Capital Territory:

• Economic Survival Package ACT:

  • The ACT government is delivering economic packages that consist of various support measures. Eligible small businesses can receive:
    • Rebates on electricity fees.
    • Up to 4 hours of one-on-one fully subsidised.
    • Tailored advice and access to online business development resources.

Queensland:

• Fees and Charges Relief for Tourism Operators and Hospitality Providers:

  • Various fees and charges relief is available for tourism operators and hospitality providers who have been impacted by COVID-19. These include waiving application fees for various liquor licenses, fee rebates for various tourism operators and more.

South Australia:

• COVID Clean Infection Control Training:

  • An accredited program providing South Australian business owners, supervisors and employees with infection control training. This is available to various individuals and businesses in retail, tourism, transport and logistics, hospitality and more.
  • The training will cover various aspects of infection control such as:
    • Hand hygiene practices.
    • Use of personal protective equipment.
    • Disposal of contaminated waste.
    • Hazard identification, control and reporting.
    • Appropriate protocols and responses in the event of an incident.

• Financial support to hire and maintain apprentices during the COVID-19 pandemic:

  • Skilling South Australia has provided several initiatives to support South Australian businesses that employ apprentices or trainees.

Western Australia:

• Payroll tax relief measures for eligible businesses:

  • A one-off grant and payroll tax relief to eligible businesses. Successful applicants in Western Australia will receive a one-off grant of $17,500, as well as a payroll tax waiver.

Tasmania:

• Funding for individuals who have lost work due to COVID-19: 

  • The Rapid Response Skills Initiative (RRSI) aims to assist individuals who have lost work due to retrenchment, downsizing or business closures due to the emergence of COVID-19. Eligible individuals will receive funding of up to $3000, which can go towards training to improve job prospects or career advice to explore new possibilities.

Applying for grants and support packages can be a complex process.

If you need any extra help or advice with an application, feel free to get in touch with our Marketing team using the form below!