GRANTS will be made available for small to medium businesses that see a 30 per cent decline in their turnover during the seven-day lockdown period. 

The jointly funded Commonwealth Government and the ACT government grants will offer $3000 for employing businesses and $1000 for non-employing businesses that experience at least a 30 per cent reduction in turnover in the week defined as Friday, August 13 to Friday, August 20 (compared to the prior seven-day period) due to restricted trading conditions.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said this package will help to keep businesses in business and people in jobs.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr welcomed the Commonwealth support, saying the government understands that this lockdown comes off the back of a period of slower economic activity as a result of outbreak of the virus in Sydney.

“ACT businesses have been supporting the government’s efforts to respond to the pandemic in the Territory, but that has come at a cost,” he said.

“Should the lockdown in the ACT be extended beyond this seven day period, further jointly funded support programs will be considered.”

The ACT government will also open a COVID-19 Small Business Hardship Scheme, where eligible ACT businesses can apply for credits on the cost of eligible fees and charges of up to $10,000 (inclusive of GST) per ABN.

This program will provide credits for payroll tax, utilities, rates and certain business licences for small to medium businesses that can demonstrate a 30 per cent revenue loss in revenue.

Small businesses with a turnover between $30,000 and $10 million per annum can apply.

Covid ‘disaster payments’ open next Friday