A $10,000 one-off emergency cash grant will be available for South Australian small businesses needing support in the wake of COVID-19.
The investment is funded from the State Government’s $650m Jobs Rescue Package and aims assist an estimated 19,000 small businesses and not-for-profits that have suffered a significant loss of income or been forced to close as a result of necessary coronavirus-related restrictions.
SA Premier Steven Marshall said the cash grants will be available to help cover ongoing or outstanding operating costs, such as rent, power bills, supplier and raw materials costs and other fees.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community and underpin our state’s economy. We will do everything in our power to ensure they have immediate support so they have the best chance of getting through to the other side,” Marshall said.
“We know this has been – and continues to be – an incredibly difficult time for employers and their staff, many of whom have worked tirelessly for years to build businesses and a loyal customer base.”
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Marshall said his government hopes the immediate funding will go some way towards easing financial distress.
Modelled on similar schemes in New South Wales and Victoria, the South Australian grants apply to businesses with a payroll of less than $1.5 million.
“It will also work in tandem with the Federal Government’s significant stimulus measures – including the $1500-a-fortnight JobKeeper wage subsidy program – and be made available to local small businesses that employ people in South Australia and have a turnover of more than $75,000,” Marshall said.