The Small Business Lockdown Assistance Grants program, estimated to cost $31.8 million, will provide targeted support to small businesses to cover some direct costs associated with cancellations and closures.
The one-off targeted program will provide $2,000 grants to eligible businesses with an Australia-wide payroll of less than $4 million and registered for GST purposes.
Businesses must be able to demonstrate losses incurred for perishable goods, cancellations or other unforeseen costs as a result of the lockdown.
Eligible sectors for the grants include:
- cafés and restaurants
- bars, pubs, taverns and nightclubs
- accommodation and sightseeing
- health and fitness centres and gyms
- hairdressing and beauty services
- florists
- cinemas
- bakeries and catering services
- clubs (hospitality)
- specialised food retail
- food wholesalers
- creative industries and performing arts venues
- event equipment hire.
The program is being jointly managed by the Small Business Development Corporation and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
A register of interest is now open on the Small Business Development Corporation’s website, with eligible businesses able to lodge an application later this month and grants to be distributed in June and July.
