Queensland Government Media Release
Queensland businesses can now start preparing their applications for the Palaszczuk Government’s $5,000 2021 COVID-19 Business Support grants, which will open at midday on Monday August 16.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said guidelines and templates were now available for the grant program that will help small and medium businesses affected by recent lockdowns in Queensland and in other parts of Australia.
“We know businesses have been doing it tough as we take the steps that are necessary to protect Queenslanders from COVID-19,” Minister Farmer said.
“Applications will open on Monday 16 August at midday, but all of the information businesses need to prepare is now available on www.business.qld.gov.au/
“To make the process as straightforward as possible, a template accountant letter has been provided for businesses in addition to guidelines and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
“We know the best help we can give Queensland businesses is to keep lockdowns short and sharp, keep our economy growing, and get businesses open and trading again as soon as possible.
“We’ll continue to back small business with the other measures outlined in our $14.2 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
“These measures include $20 million in deep cleaning rebates and $47 million for tourism and hospitality businesses.”
Minister Farmer said the application window would stay open for three months and that all eligible businesses that applied would receive funding.
“We are publishing these guidelines today so that businesses can be ready to apply on 16 August, but I want to be really clear – every single eligible business that applies will receive funding,” Minister Farmer said.
“I understand many businesses will want to apply straight away but for those that want to take a bit more time can do so, applications will be open until 16 November.
“If huge numbers of businesses go to the website as the same time on Monday the site may be a little slow. If that happens to you just come back in an hour or two – nobody is going to miss out.
“We are standing up additional teams to process these grants to ensure applications are approved and funds arrive in bank accounts as soon as possible.
“These grants are in addition to a range of other support we have been providing to small businesses including our Business Basics, Business Boost and Business Growth grant programs, our free Mentoring for Growth service, record investment in employment and training programs, online tools to make doing business easier, the Queensland Small Business Commissioner and more.
“Our COVID-19 Business Support Grants are aimed at supporting businesses that employ Queenslanders, and the Federal Government is providing support for individuals – including non-employing sole traders – through their COVID-19 disaster payments.
“I’d encourage all businesses to visit www.business.qld.gov.au
The small business payments will be made through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA), which administered the payment of $1 billion in 12-month interest free loans to COVID-affected businesses.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said QRIDA had been proudly supporting Queensland businesses and industry for decades.
“The QRIDA team is experienced in managing grant programs and meeting the needs of Queensland business,” Minister Furner said.
“QRIDA has been at the forefront of delivering a range of COVID-19 response grant programs as part of Queensland’s Economic Recovery Plan.”
The 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants of $5,000 are available to eligible small and medium businesses across the state that have been impacted by lockdowns.
Support payments are also available to eligible impacted large businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector.
The online application form will be available via the QRIDA application portal from midday on 16 August. Businesses are encouraged to create a QRIDA portal profile so they are ready to apply. Instructions are available on the Business Queensland website.
For information about the COVID-19 Business Support Grants visit www.business.qld.gov.au/
Media contact: Kate Talbot 0439 803 211