$23 million is in the pockets of almost 3,000 Gold Coast small businesses, 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 more than $108 million had been sent out to businesses across Queensland so far.
"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," Minister Farmer said.
"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."
Member for Gaven, Meaghan Scanlon, said Gold Coast businesses should check their eligibility to apply if they haven't already.
"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," Ms Scanlon said.
"I want to be really clear: any eligible business that applies will receive the grant.
"There is additional support available to businesses that are very close to the NSW border too."
David Marotte of Gold Coast Pacific Tours has strongly encouraged other affected business operators on the Gold Coast to apply for the grant.
"A $10,000 grant can keep a business going so it's important that everybody should apply if they are entitled to it," David said.
"Grants like this are a blessing because lockdown affects consumer confidence, and it can take months not weeks to get business back."
Ms Scanlon 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," Ms Scanlon said.
"But we know businesses are feeling the impact of COVID-19 which is why we are providing this support, along with a $10,000 cleaning rebate for COVID exposure sites and nearly $50 million for tourism and hospitality businesses.
"We've also 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.
"Gold Coast businesses have also received nearly $30 million in COVID 19 Small Business Adaption Grants, around $165 million in Jobs Support loans, more than $41 million in payroll tax relief, and a range of measures in our $140 million Big Plans for Small Business strategy.
"There's also one-on-one support available, through our tailored Mentoring for Growth service, Small Business Financial Counsellors and the Queensland Small Business Commissioner."
