Townsville City Council has launched Townsville Funding Finder, a new online community resource featuring a full list of State and Federal Government and private sector grant funding available for the community and business owners.
The portal contains grants ranging from temporary relief for distressed businesses through to residential electricity relief for individual residents who have been affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
It also features natural disaster grants and relief packages from local, state and federal levels, as well as a number of philanthropic grants.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said it was an important web page for anyone doing it tough during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"A lot has changed recently. People have lost jobs, businesses are having to close down, and many people are facing the reality that things could be this way for weeks or even months yet," Cr Hill said.
"We want to do what we can to support our locals during this time, which is why Council has launched the Townsville Funding Finder web page to help residents access grants and relief packages for their homes and businesses during this time.
"Funding Finder is easy to find on the Council website and has a full list of support options for businesses, not-for-profits, community groups and individuals.
"I'd urge anyone who is doing it tough during this time to take a look at Funding Finder and see if there's a grant available to help you make it through this difficult time."
Cr Hill said the portal would also be helpful for anyone still struggling after the unprecedented 2019 monsoon.
"There are a number of natural disaster grants and relief packages available through Funding Finder, so I would recommend anyone who is finding it hard to get back on their feet to take a look at the website," she said.
"Funding Finder is also a great resource for anyone looking at grants more generally. It is updated in near real time and is a one-stop shop for anyone needing to find grants available to locals."
The release of Townsville Funding Finder comes as more than 500 local businesses sign up to Council's new Support Local Townsville web page.
"It's great to have so many businesses get involved in our Support Local Townsville register, which catalogues which businesses are open for trade and how they're changing their offerings to adapt to the new social distancing restrictions put in place by the Federal Government," Cr Hill said.
"I'd encourage any business owner who hasn't signed up yet to head to the Council website and let us know what's still on offer so the community can continue to support your business."
To see grants available for you and your business, head to townsville.qld.gov.au/fundingfinder
