Eligible small businesses throughout Western Australia can now apply for a $3,000 grant to assist with some of the costs incurred as a direct result of the recent four-day lockdown.
The one-off grants are for the lockdown between June 29 and July 2, and the associated restriction period from July 3 to July 6.
The program is also available to eligible small businesses in regional WA that were most likely to have been impacted during this period.
The State Government has committed $41.5 million for the new grants, which are open to eligible businesses that have an Australia-wide payroll of less than $4 million and are registered for GST purposes, and have revenue over $75,000.
More than 15,400 businesses in Perth and Peel and 2,300 businesses in regional WA could be eligible for the program - including hospitality, catering, fitness, hair and beauty, and creative and performing arts among others.
Businesses must be able to prove losses incurred for perishable goods, cancellations or other unforeseen costs or demonstrate at least a 30 per cent reduction in revenues as a result of the lockdown.
Small businesses can apply online from 4pm today (Monday, July 19) at http://smallbusiness.wa.gov.au with grant payments expected to commence by the end of the month.
The grants add to the more than $1.3 billion of assistance the McGowan Government has provided to Western Australian businesses - which has included electricity bill relief, payroll tax and business licence fee waivers, grants and other industry specific measures.
As stated by Small Business Minister Reece Whitby:
"From today, small businesses across the State that were impacted by the recent four-day lockdown and subsequent restrictions will be able to apply for the State Government's $3,000 lockdown grants, with funds due to start hitting bank accounts by the end of the month.
"The circuit breaker lockdown was necessary to stop the spread of COVID-19 and avoid longer restrictions - and I thank the businesses which made significant sacrifices leading into the busy school holiday period.
"The one-off targeted payments are designed to provide cash flow support to assist with some of the costs incurred as a direct result of the lockdown.
"This grants program has been extended into regional Western Australia to assist eligible small businesses who were impacted by the lockdown.
"I urge all eligible business to apply for the payments through the Small Business Development Corporation website."
