Local businesses across Canberra can access support and advice, with a range of rebates still available to help businesses in their recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.
The ACT Government has also extended the Canberra Business Advice and Support Service for another 12 months, giving businesses free access to expert advice on a range of topics.
Minister for Business and Better Regulation Tara Cheyne said while the ACT economy is recovering strongly from the COVID-19-induced downturn, the work isn't over yet.
"The ACT economy is doing much better than expected, however the end of JobKeeper may be a particularly uncertain time for some businesses.
"The ACT Government has extended the Canberra Business Advice and Support Service for another 12 months, giving local businesses up to four hours of free expert advice tailored to their business via the Canberra Business Enterprise Centre.
"This service offers businesses advice on a range of topics including general business advice and planning, financial advice, legal advice, mental health and wellbeing support and advice on business restructure or closure, as well as access to free webinars and workshops."
A range of other financial supports are also still available to ACT businesses:
- cafes, restaurants and takeaway businesses can apply for a one-off $1,000 rebate on their electricity bill
- hotels, motels, serviced apartments and function and event venues can apply for a rebate of their water and sewerage fixed charges on Icon Water bills for the 2020-21 financial year
- existing on-licensees have the option to move to a general liquor licence free of charge
- wages paid to apprentices or trainees employed after 1 August 2020 are exempt from payroll tax from the start of their employment until 30 June 2021
- businesses with Australia-wide wages of less than $10 million per annum can continue to defer their 2020-21 payroll tax, interest free until 1 July 2022
"In addition to these supports, community event organisers can continue to apply for support up to $15,000 for new or existing community events and festivals that are activated in suburbs and town centres during the 2021 calendar year.
"Small business owners can also now get access to Beyond Blue's NewAccess mental health support program. This program is a free and confidential mental health coaching program, structured over six sessions with a mental health trained coach with a small business background.
"I'd urge all local businesses to reach out if they need support and make sure they are taking advantage of any rebates that are available to them," said Minister Cheyne.
