The small business cash grants up for grabs in your state

The construction and entertainment industries are the focus of new government initiatives to stimulate the economy.

For tradies, the proposal would see them receiving the benefit of renovation grants to homeowners including a boost of around $25,000 to build new homes under a new stimulus plan announced this week by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

"We are looking at a big drop off in the current home building that's going on. That's not good for tradies and not good for jobs," said Morrison.

These and other measures are yet to be finalised.

Most states announced their assistance programs in March and April as COVID-19 restrictions were being announced. Some of these programs closed their applications on June 1, however, some states have since offered more specific industry assistance. Some local governments have also released their own packages for small businesses.

Check with the relevant federal and state government sites for updates.

Western Australia

In WA, the cities of Bayswater and Melville offered small business grants of $2000 and $3000 respectively to help businesses move online.

The WA state government also provided $6500 in payments to small businesses in the tourism sector including accommodation providers, tour and transport operators, and experience businesses.

Queensland

In Queensland, a grant of up to $200,000 is offered for new and innovative ideas and activities being explored in the region. The sunshine state also offers a total of $100 million in Small Business Adaptation Grants of up to $10,000 that will help small businesses forced into hibernation to restructure, significantly change their business operations, or move online.

Tasmania

In Tasmania, applications are still open for arts funding which specifically target those who will support additional employment and cultural activity and who aren't already receiving Tasmanian Government funding.

NSW

The NSW Government will also help NSW arts and cultural organisations with a $50 million rescue and restart package delivered in two stages - firstly, to enable NSW not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations to hibernate temporarily, and then in coming months to enable them to restart.

Small Project Grants are available from $500 to $5000 with applications closing June 30, 2020. More information is available at creatensw.gov.au

Small businesses in NSW also have until June 30 to apply for small business grants of up to $10,000 for unavoidable business expenses. To be eligible, businesses must have an annual turnover of more than $75,000, report a payroll less than $900,000, and report a 75% decline in turnover from the same period last year.

A business concierge service has been set up to help businesses access help.

Victoria

In Victoria, businesses affected by the coronavirus can attend online short course and training events for free through the Upskill My Business program. The program covers topics ranging from business innovation and staff development to export preparation.

Small Business Victoria's digital opportunities roadshow, its small business workshops, mentoring program and the small business bus have transitioned to online delivery.

Northern Territory

Businesses can access a rebound support grant between $1000 and $15,000 for new activities that adapt or rebound the business in the post-pandemic environment. The grants are available through the $50 million Small Business Survival Fund.

There's also a business operational support payment still available. This payment is for businesses with an annual turnover of more than $75,000 and who have had previous payments from the Small Business Survival Fund.

ACT

In the ACT, the government focused on helping ride share, taxi and hire car businesses.

Ride share vehicle licence fees have been waived for 12 months from April 1, 2020. For licences prepaid 12 months in advance, an additional 12 months' credit will be added to the next due date.

All government leased taxi plate fees have also been waived, including wheelchair accessible taxis to help support this vital service.

Hire car annual licence fee has been waived for 12 months. For prepaid licences an additional 12 months' credit will be added to their licence.

The ACT Government will also provide a one-off payment of up to $5000 to taxi operators who lease their taxi plates from private owners.

South Australia

Applications are now closed for $10,000 emergency cash grants for small businesses highly impacted by COVID-19.

However, there are numerous ways to still get support through the state's grants program, including bushfire recovery assistance. Visit grantassist.sa.gov.au/business to find more info.

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