Small and medium businesses in the Fraser Coast are being encouraged to see if they’re eligible for grants of up to $30,000.

Nearly $100 million is already in the pockets of more than 11,400 small businesses across Queensland, thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s COVID-19 Business Support Grants.

The program, jointly funded by the Palaszczuk and Commonwealth Governments, provides grants of up to $30,000 to businesses impacted by Queensland lockdowns.

The Minister for Employment and Small Business, Di Farmer, said businesses should check to see if they were eligible.

“If your business saw at least a 30% reduction in turnover during the recent Queensland lockdowns, even though the Fraser Coast wasn’t in lockdown itself, you could be eligible for a grant,” Minister Farmer said.

Member for Maryborough, Bruce Saunders, said businesses should get in touch if they have any questions.

“We’ve had fewer than 100 applications from small businesses in the Fraser Coast LGA, and we want to make sure businesses know what support is open to them,” Mr Saunders said.

“Please don’t rule yourself out. You can call the 24/7 Small Business Hotline with any questions you have.

“Applying is straight forward, with template letters provided to make the process easier. We’ve doubled the number of staff working on the grants which means we’ve already processed thousands of applications.

“I want to be really clear: any eligible business or sole trader in the Fraser Coast area that applies will receive the grant.”

Gary Hextall, Business Manager of Ron Maher Flooring and Furniture in Maryborough said the $10,000 grant had helped them a lot.  

“In August the Maryborough CBD was a ghost town, so the difference the grant has made to our business is tremendous,” Gary said.

“We’ve been here for 15 years and August this year was the quietest period we’ve had.

“We’ve got five local employees and the grant is supporting them too.

“Small business is the backbone of the community and I’d like to thank the government for the support.

“We strongly urge businesses in the area to see if they’re eligible for this grant because for it’s been a huge boost for us.”

Member for Hervey Bay, Adrian Tantari, said the COVID-19 Business Support Grants are just one part of the government’s $14.2 billion COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

“The best thing we can do for businesses is ensure our economy is growing, do everything we can to ensure any lockdowns are short and sharp, and keep businesses open and trading,” Mr Tantari said.

“Here in Queensland, we didn’t have a lockdown that went for longer than three days until very recently. And Queenslanders did an incredible job to stop Delta in its tracks.

“Just like we were the first state to introduce a COVID economic stimulus package last year, we acted quickly again: applications for this support opened just one week after that lockdown ended and the first payments were being made the very next day.

“But we know businesses are feeling the impact of COVID-19, which is why we are providing the COVID19 Business Support Grants which have already helped local businesses like Hervey Bay Fly and Sport Fishing.

“$5,000 Business Basics Grants for regional small businesses are still open but we expect these to close soon, so get your application in now.

“Dave’s Dried Meats based in Hervey Bay was a recipient in the first round and is using the money to update their website.

“There’s also a $10,000 cleaning rebate for COVID exposure sites and nearly $50 million for tourism and hospitality businesses.

“We’ve recently announced a further $40 million of support for tourism businesses, giving those who’ve seen a 70% reduction in turnover grants of up to $50,000.

“In addition, in the Wide Bay area we’ve provided more than $8.4 million in COVID adaption support grants, more than $32 million in Jobs Support Loans and more than $6.5 million in payroll tax relief.

“Don’t forget there’s one-on-one support available through our tailored Mentoring for Growth service, Small Business Financial Counsellors and the Queensland Small Business Commissioner.”

For more information on eligibility and how to apply visit www.business.qld.gov.au/supportgrants or call our 24/7 Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687.

For more information on Business Basics Grants visit www.business.qld.gov.au/businessbasics

Audio available here

ENDS

Media contact: Kate Talbot  07 4124 2526

All other enquiries: 1300 654 687