Local businesses impacted by four lockdowns have welcomed additional funding after repeated calls for more assistance.
The Caloundra Chamber of Commerce was delighted to hear that $25,000 payments were on the way to desperate workplaces.
Acting CEO of the Chamber, Brady Sullivan, was thrilled to see some compensation after months of campaigning.
“Small business owners have endured a lot through this pandemic and I’m sure that many will breathe a sigh of relief with the announcement of a funding agreement reached between the State and Federal Government,” he said.
“The great announcement is a significant boost to small business owners on the Sunshine Coast who have been significantly hit by this latest lockdown.
“We know that the increased financial insecurity caused by lockdowns has a direct impact on mental wellbeing.”
“This funding announcement will give small business owners the confidence they need right now.”
Impacted businesses have access to payments of up to $25,000 to help them pay for ongoing bills and overheads, maintain their commitment to staff and plan their long-term recovery.
The relief was announced on Sunday and the package of support comes after the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) and Chambers across Queensland had called for a COVID-19 Hotspot Recovery Package of payments up to $25,000 since the onset of the COVID-19 economic crisis in 2020.
Calls were renewed during the four Queensland lockdowns this year.
CCIQ Policy and Advocacy General Manager Amanda Rohan said the payments were a welcome relief to hundreds of thousands of Queensland businesses who were financially and emotionally exhausted from the impact of COVID.
“These payments have not come a minute too soon for those sole-traders and businesses who we know were at their limit,” she said.
“Businesses have been telling us for months, and we have been telling the State Government the same thing, this lockdown was likely to have been their last if they were not offered support and certainty around their ability to recover.
“The announcement, of a joint State and Commonwealth Governments’ 50/50 funding package, could mean some of those businesses who were seriously doubting their ability to continue trading in the future will be able to get back to business.
“At the same time we know for many Queensland businesses it’s too late, having already closed their doors due to the financial and emotional impact of COVID.
“It’s especially encouraging to know these payments will be extended to all eligible businesses who are impacted during COVID lockdowns and even those outside hotspot areas.
“We know while not all businesses have been in lockdown, they have been locked out with disruptions to supply chains, logistics, staffing, tourism and travel and businesses and consumer confidence.
“For those impacts to be acknowledged equally to businesses in hotspot areas is certainly welcome.”
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/scnews2020/
CCIQ’s June Quarter Pulse Survey found more than 40% of businesses had been forced to contribute their own personal funds to keep their business afloat, on average more than $110,000.
“Those businesses were essentially funding their own support package so to know there is some support, and for some businesses it will be compensation, means they’ll be able to continue paying their bills and overheads, maintain their commitment to staff who rely on them for an income and plan their long-term recovery back to business,” she said.
Relief package includes:
- A $1,000 one-off grant to non-employing sole traders across Queensland.
- Tiered payments based on payroll size for all businesses across Queensland.
- A $5,000 one-off, top-up grant to small business with payroll of less than $1.3 million.
- A $10,000 one-off, top-up grant to medium sized business with payroll between $1.3 million and $10 million.
- A $25,000 one-off, top-up grant to large sized tourism and hospitality focused businesses with payroll of greater than $10 million
- For more details and to apply, see this website.
If you or someone you know needs help contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Survival tips for businesses
A Sunshine Coast psychologist has shared her tips on succeeding in small business, especially during difficult times.
PsychHelp Director Dr Mary Gregory, who has been recognised as a Local Business Champion by Sunshine Coast Council, said the learnings from PsychHelp’s business journey have helped the business adapt and evolve.
“Change is always occurring, and you need to be ready to adapt to stay relevant,” Dr Gregory said.
“This means constantly updating policies, procedures, and the way you do business.
“Everyone involved in the business needs to be an expert problem solver, ready to take ownership of issues that come up and find solutions that work for everyone.”
Dr Gregory’s top tips for local businesses include:
- Embrace technology: There are so many exciting innovations occurring.
- Relationships are key: Developing and maintaining relationships is what keeps a business going.
- Create jobs that you would want to do: This makes it easy to recruit key staff. With technology the job market is changing, and people expect more flexibility from their workplace.
The availability of Telehealth has resulted in more people accessing support and care for a range of mental health concerns.
PsychHelp is a Sunshine Coast-based psychology clinic and has expanded its services over the last four years to meet the growing demand for psychological support, particularly in rural and remote areas of Australia.
Dr Gregory believes the service is becoming a standard option for many types of health appointments because of an increased awareness of Telehealth.
“Psychology is particularly well suited to embrace Telehealth, and I think for many people this will increasingly become a more common means of engaging with their psychologist,” Dr Gregory said.
“Our goal is to create jobs locally by providing staff with a flexible work environment, while supporting people across Australia who are struggling with their mental health.”
Like stories that inform, connect and celebrate the Sunshine Coast? So do we. Join an independent local news revolution by subscribing to our free daily news feed: Go to SUBSCRIBE at top of this article to register.
