Thousands of small and medium businesses impacted by COVID-19 trading restrictions – from restaurants, cafes and hotels to tourism operators, gyms and hairdressers – have received almost $57 million in cash grants in the past month, as the Marshall Government continues to support their strong ongoing economic recovery.
To date, 19,633 eligible businesses have received emergency $3,000 and $1,000 cash grants (worth more than $51.3m) as part of the State Government's $100 million Business Support Package, announced during last month's lockdown.
Nearly 2000 SMEs have so far also received cash grants (worth $5.4m) as part of the additional joint Commonwealth/State funded "South Australian COVID-19 Additional Business Support Grant" package, which includes a $1,000 grant for eligible CBD-based businesses.
"This targeted economic support is part of our strong COVID recovery plan and will ensure we save as many local businesses and jobs as possible," said Mr Lucas.
"We are committed to getting this money out the door and into the pockets of our hardworking small businesses as quickly as possible."
However, Treasurer Rob Lucas urged businesses who think they may be eligible for the additional business support grant to make sure they check their eligibility and formally apply via the Treasury website.
"Treasury has advised me they are concerned some businesses may believe that if they qualify for the additional grant(s), then that payment will be automatically processed – however, it's important for them to understand they need to apply," said Mr Lucas.
In addition Treasury has indicated that it is concerned that a number of business that registered their interest in the Business Support Grant and were contacted via email with application details have not yet submitted the online application necessary to enable payment.
The grants help businesses cover ongoing operating costs such as rent, power bills, supplier and raw material costs.
Under the combined packages, an eligible CBD business that employs staff, including a pub, café or restaurant, would receive $7,000 in cash grants ($3,000 + $3,000 + $1,000 CBD grant) to support their ongoing COVID recovery.
For further information and to apply for one or both grant packages:
https://www.treasury.sa.gov.au/Growing-South-Australia/COVID-19
Applications close on September 30 for the initial grant, and on October 17, 2021 for the additional grant.
