In a boost for local businesses who continue to be impacted by COVID-19 trading restrictions, the SA Government has announced a new round of Business Hardship Grants worth approximately $23.5 million.
Cash grants of up to $11,000 will be paid to eligible businesses in any industry – from restaurants, hotels and travel/tourism operators to outdoor school camp operators, gyms and manufacturers – who experience a 50 per cent reduction in turnover during the month of February this year (compared to February 2020).
This includes an additional $1,000 for eligible businesses trading in the CBD, in recognition that they’ve been doing it particularly tough and to support the city’s ongoing economic recovery.
Premier Steven Marshall said this new grant round brings the total cost of all business support announced since December 31 last year to $158 million, which includes two previous grant rounds and other support measures such as tourism Great State Vouchers, CBD dining out vouchers and free public transport to and from the city each weekend to March 20.
This new round recognises the impact of restrictions on some industry sectors, such as travel agents and outdoor camp operators, with school camps postponed for health reasons.
Eligible businesses from any industry are invited to apply for the February Business Hardship Grant, and will be able to use the grant to support their ongoing operating costs, including utilities, salaries and rent.
An estimated $73 million in cash grants have already been paid to 8,000 local businesses in the past 7 weeks, across two previous grant rounds (announced on December 31 last year and January 29).
Further details* and information on how to apply will be available at treasury.sa.gov.au/Growing-South-Australia/COVID-19
Employing businesses with annual turnover of greater than $2 million will receive $10,000, or $11,000 if operating in the CBD. Employing businesses with turnover of less than $2 million will receive $3,000 or $4,000 if operating in the CBD.
Non-employing businesses will receive a $1,000 grant, or $2,000 if operating in the CBD.
*Other eligibility criteria apply, including that grants are limited to businesses with a valid ABN, registered for GST and an Australia-wide grouped payroll of less than $10 million.
