COVID-related government grants you should know about

UPDATE: This government grants post was first published on 6 September 2020 and updated on 23 July 2021.

The COVID-19 surge has once again left many Australians and Australian businesses in a financial bind. While it's still feasible for many to secure loans to keep their heads above water (at least through 31 December 2021), it’s smart to also apply for funding that doesn’t need to be repaid.

Depending on where your business is located, there are a few grants to help out during these difficult times.

You should know that many government business grants come with strict conditions around how and where funds can be spent. And as the COVID-19 situation evolves, some grants may become unavailable, so don't wait to apply.

A full guide to the Australian government's COVID-19 support packages can be found here.

Related: Pandemic pivot — how 3 businesses responded to COVID-19

Government business grants available to SMBs

Check out this list of grants you could be eligible for, depending on where you live:

1. Victoria state government grants.
2. New South Wales state government grants.
3. South Australia state government grants.
4. Queensland state government assistance.
5. Western Australia state government grants.
6. Tasmania state government grants.
7. Northern Territory government grants.

If lockdowns continue, some of this funding will either be tapped out or withdrawn — so apply now.

1. Victoria state government grants

If you own a business in Victoria, you'll want to look into these programs:

• The business costs assistance program round two (BCAP2) will be topped off with an additional $2,800 automatically. List of eligible sectors.
• Micro-businesses not registered for GST may be eligible for the Covid-19 disaster payment of up to $600 in a seven-day period.
• Up to 90,000 businesses and sole traders will receive an extra $4,200, through the licensed hospitality venue fund 2021. Businesses that received financial support in the May and June lockdown don’t need to apply again (payments will be processed automatically).
• The Impacted public events support program will offer up to $25,000 for events and up to $10,000 to event suppliers hurt by the lockdown.
• A new round of the live performance support program will provide up to $7,000 to presenters and up to $2,000 to affected suppliers.

Your business may also be eligible for assistance through other Victorian Government programs.

2. New South Wales state government grants

For businesses located in NSW, three grants are available: 

• The 2021 COVID-19 business grant provides a one-off payment of between $7,500 and $15,000, depending on the percentage of revenue lost. This grant is available to businesses, sole traders and not-for-profit groups affected by the Greater Sydney COVID-19 restrictions. Apply here.
• The 2021 COVID-19 micro-business grant is for small businesses or sole traders with an annual turnover of between $30,000 and $75,000, with a 30% decline in revenue. The $1,500 fortnightly payment begins on 26 July 2021. Sign up to be notified.
• JobSaver will deliver fortnightly payments to help maintain your headcount as of 13th July 2021 and provide cash flow. Available to those with turnover between $75,000 and $50 million and a revenue decline of 30% or more. Sign up to be notified.

You may also be eligible for payroll tax waivers of 25% (for businesses with Australian wages of between $1.2m and $10m that have experienced a 30% decline in turnover) or the NSW tourism support package.

3. South Australia state government grants

The COVID-19 Business support grant July 2021 will provide cash grants of up to $3,000 to affected small and medium businesses and $1,000 to sole traders.

To be eligible, you must have a payroll of less than $10m, an annual turnover of $75,000 or more and have suffered at least a 30% reduction in revenue in the week commencing 20 July 2021.

4. Queensland state government assistance

Queensland continues to provide financial support for businesses that are struggling, ranging from Environmental Management Charge waivers for businesses that use the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to a JobMaker Hiring Credit and a Live Music Support Program. Use the Queensland Coronavirus (COVID-19) business assistance finder to quickly see what you qualify for.

5. Western Australia state government grants

The government of Western Australia is offering grants of $3,000 to small businesses in Perth, Peel and regional WA in industry sectors most severely impacted by the recent four-day lockdown. Apply for the Small Business Lockdown Assistance Grant - round 2 here (applications close 31 August 2021).

Related: 10 small business grants, including 3 WA grants

6. Tasmania state government events grant

The Tasmanian Government is providing Event Ready Grants of up to $5,000 for COVID-19 safe events and activities in Tasmania, in addition to a variety of loans and support programs listed here.

7. Northern Territory government assistance

The Northern Territory government has a number of grants available not directly related to COVID-19, including the Arts and Culture COVID-19 Interruption Support.

Claim your government business grant

Depending on where you live and your circumstances, there are still government business grants available to help you rebound from the financial strain caused by COVID-19. Keep a sharp eye on the deadlines and apply quickly once you’ve found something you qualify for, as some grants are coming to an end.

The information contained in this blog post is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as an endorsement or advice from GoDaddy on any subject matter. All information in this article was accurate as per Australian Government websites at 20/5/2020.