The Tasmanian government had recently announced more COVID-19 support for its employers and businesses
In a media release from the state’s Department of Premier and Cabinet, through the Minister for Small Business Madeleine Ogilvie, the Tas government said that a fourth round of the COVID-19 Business Impact Support Program had opened this week to support state businesses that have been facing the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.
Tasmania’s “Business Impact Support Program”
The program launched its first three rounds, consequently acquiring more than $4.9 million in grants. The sums were reportedly funneled directly to more than 2,350 businesses facing challenges.
The newest round now aims to assist businesses that experienced trading losses or a significant reduction in customer demand due to the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak. The period ran from 15 March 2022 until 14 April 2022.
Eligibility criteria
According to the Tas government, the funding amounts and eligibility criteria would be maintained and would remain consistent as in previous funding rounds, with grant amounts ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
Suppose a business has experienced an “unavoidable loss of perishable goods” because they had to close for seven days or longer. In that case, it may also be eligible for payments of between $1,000 and $5,000.
How can a business be eligible for support under the said program?
Affected businesses must meet the following requirements:
- It must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan;
- A completed risk assessment is in place; and
- Where required, a COVID-19 Case and Outbreak Management Plane
Businesses may apply for the program’s fourth round until 12 May 2022. The state noted that employers who had already received assistance in earlier program rounds may still be eligible to apply under round four.
“We recognise that while our economy is strong and that many businesses are doing very well, further support is needed to assist some businesses as we continue to transition to living with COVID-19,” Ogilvie said.
“The COVID-19 Business Impact Support Program comes in addition to the more than $160 million in COVID specific support that has been given to Tasmanian businesses since the start of the pandemic,” Ogilvie added.
