Ipswich City Council has joined forces with the local business community to present online workshops designed to help small businesses to apply for the 2021 COVID-19 Business Support Grants announced by the State Government this week.
The grant pool of $260m will be made available as $5,000 grants to small and medium business that have been affected by the COVID-19 lockdown that commenced on Saturday, 31 July.
Ipswich City Council, in partnership with the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, have designed an online workshop to ensure Ipswich businesses know how to fill out the grant forms with the best chance of success.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said she wants to see as many local businesses as possible get more of the available funding.
“Businesses have been doing it tough since the start of the pandemic, and lockdowns are relentlessly hard on business,” Mayor Harding said.
“These workshops will show you how to apply, provide the latest information on eligibility criteria and give useful tips and tricks to give your grant application the best shot at success.
“I’d like to thank our local traders for observing restrictions and slowing the spread of the Delta Strain and I want you to know Council is here to support you.”
Council continues to have a seven-day quick payment policy and the Buy Ipswich procurement policy continues to operate, directing Council procurement towards local businesses as a priority.
“Buy Ipswich continues to deliver significant support to Ipswich businesses, with $54 million spent with local suppliers with a head or branch office in the Ipswich in past financial year. That’s around 40 per cent of Council suppliers that are locals, double the number in the previous financial year,” said Mayor Harding.
“Council also waived and refunded footpath dining fees for local businesses for the 2020-21 financial year, at a cost of $10,000. Given the current circumstances, Council would consider extending this for 2021-22.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, Council has also provided more than $2 million in COVID relief for local businesses, artists, sporting and community organisations, including more than $270,000 in direct payments to 192 local small businesses.”
Council is also offering small businesses and tradies the opportunity to become preferred suppliers to Council for works and services up to $200,000.
“This pilot program is aimed at getting builders, plumbers, gas fitters, electricians, concreters, and a range of others on our local approved suppliers lists and panels of providers,” Mayor Harding said.
Economic and Industry Development Chair Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic said council wanted to ensure businesses below the turnover threshold of $75,000 per annum knew there were additional funding options available to them.
“Council will also continue to support our local businesses who aren’t eligible for State funding to access support through other avenues such as the Federal Government Disaster Payment,” Cr Jonic said.
“Ipswich City Council’s Local Business and Investment Team will continue to work closely with our local businesses so please get in touch if you need any assistance or have any questions about how we might be able to assist.”
There are three identical sessions to choose from.
- Monday 9 August 10.30am – Register here https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/166005905131
- Tuesday 10 August 10.30am – Register here https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/166118072627
- Thursday 12 August 30am – Register here https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/166118281251
Each session will be presented by a local business owner that specialises into grant writing and support for businesses.
Information for workers or sole traders unable to work due the current lockdown orders can be found here https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/covid-19-disaster-payment
To find out the latest information from council’s business team visit their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/BusinessIpswichQLD/
Further details on the Queensland Government Small Business Grant can be found here. https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/covid19-support-grants
