We wanted to ensure you are aware of the Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants and Disaster Assistance Loans which are now available to assist small businesses, primary producers and non-profits who were impacted by the South East Queensland rainfall and flooding events between 22 February – 7 March.

What is available?

• Grants of up to $50,000 to eligible applicants available for directly impacted businesses. Up to $15,000 is available to support an initial claim, with up to $35,000 available to support subsequent claims. This grant can be used for clean-up activities, repairs including damage to equipment, flooring, and walls, and to replace lost stock.
• Disaster Assistance Loans offer up to $250,000 for businesses who were directly impacted by the SEQ rainfall and flooding events. This loan can be used to repair or replace damaged plant, equipment, or buildings, replace stock or meet carry on costs including rents or rates.
• Disaster Assistance (Essential Working Capital) offer up to $100,000 for businesses who have been indirectly impacted by the SEQ rainfall and flooding events. This loan can be used to pay staff, creditors, rent or rates and purchase goods that are essential for your business such as fuel.

Please note, applications will be assessed in order of receipt. Grant applications close on 5 September 2022, and loan applications close on 31 December 2023.

Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants

How to apply
Apply online via the Queensland Rural and Industry here, or you can download a copy of the application and complete offline.

Eligibility criteria
Grants are available for directly impacted small business, primary producers and non-profits however we have focused this information for small business owners, the eligibility criteria is:

• be a small business owner (sole trader, partnership, trust or Pty Ltd)
• hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and have held that ABN at the time of the SEQ Rainfall and Flood event which took place between 22 February – 7 March 2022.
• own a small business located in the defined disaster area that has suffered direct damage as a result of the SEQ Rainfall and Flood event
• have been operating your businesses as per normal when the SEQ Rainfall and Flood event occurred
• be primarily responsible for meeting the costs claimed in your application
• intend to re-establish your small business in the defined disaster area (one of the below 19 local government areas) for the eligible disaster.

Small business applicants outside of the defined disaster area might be eligible for an exceptional circumstances grant if both of the following apply:

• the small business operated at least sometimes on a regular basis in the defined disaster area; and
• plant or equipment of the small business situated in the defined disaster area has been damaged as a result of the eligible disaster.

The defined disaster area is defined as areas within these local government areas:

 Where can go to get more information? 
Please note QRIDA is the agency responsible for administering these grants. For more information about the grants QRIDA has published helpful information, including dealing with insured property, FAQs and downloadable guidelines here. We recommend reading the guidelines, they are reasonably short and provide good, clear information. Should you need further information please call 1800 623 946 or email QRIDA here.