WA businesses impacted by Eastern States COVID-19 lockdowns and border closures can apply for up to $10,000 in compensation, as part of a joint State and Federal compensation fund.
Tourism, accommodation, tour and transport, and travel agent businesses can apply for one-off cash payments via the WA Tourism and Travel Agent Support Fund.
The fund was announced on August 22 after pressure from businesses groups including CCIWA.
CCIWA Chief Economist Aaron Morey welcomed the funding, highlighting the devastating financial impact of lockdowns on business.
“CCIWA has been at the forefront of highlighting the impacts on WA businesses of lockdowns and border closures,” he said.
CCIWA’s September Business Confidence Survey showed more businesses reported serious impacts from WA’s hard border than were unaffected, with supply chain disruptions and skills shortages key issues.
To be eligible for the grants, businesses must demonstrate at least a 30 per cent reduction in turnover.
The funding will be scaled by annual turnover as follows:
- Sole traders or small business operators ($2,000)
Sole traders or for employing businesses with an annual turnover between $50,000 and $100,000.
- Impacted small businesses with employees ($5,000)
Employing businesses with an annual turnover between $100,000 and $1m.
- Impacted medium businesses ($10,000)
Employing businesses with an annual turnover between $1m and $10m.
Applications for the grants are expected to open soon.
