Applications have opened for the State Government’s latest lockdown compensation scheme, but the $3000 grant is only available to some businesses.
Premier Mark McGowan announced the grants on July 9, after Perth and Peel endured a four-day lockdown and subsequent restrictions that resulted in an estimated $245 million hit to business.
This week the Government clarified the eligibility criteria, which includes that businesses must have a turnover of at least $75,000 and fall under one of the categories nominated by the Government.
This approach could exclude enterprises as varied as start-ups, sole traders and micro-businesses, specialty retail stores, distillers, cellar-doors and brewers, wildlife parks, physiotherapy, remedial massage clinics and allied health professionals, and certain manufacturers.
Register for the grants here.
CCIWA CEO Chris Rodwell welcomed the lockdown compensation scheme, but said he was disappointed several businesses and industries were not eligible.
“These criteria were not made clear to the business community before the applications opened,” he said.
“There is no evident need for excluding these types of businesses, as CCIWA proposed that any businesses under the $4m payroll threshold should be eligible for support, if they have been impacted by the lockdowns.
“Particularly in light of the continued financial windfall from global commodity markets, we urge the State Government to extend lockdown support to encompass more of WA’s hard-hit small business community.”
CCIWA’s rapid-fire survey found the average expected financial impact of the COVID-19 lockdown to small businesses was $16,222, with the average hit to business estimated at $26,864.
Small businesses can apply online from 4:00pm Monday, July 19 with grant payments expected to commence by the end of the month.
Applications close at 11:59pm on Tuesday, August 31.
Read our media statement here.
CCIWA’s COVID-19 page contains up-to-date information for businesses.
For help and guidance on navigating COVID-19 restrictions, contact CCIWA’s Employee Relations Advice Centre on (08) 9365 7660 or [email protected].
