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Western Australia has faced a series of compounding challenges, including border closures, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and natural disasters. In response to these hardships, the state government is offering a cash injection to support small businesses in the hospitality, music events, and arts sectors that have been directly impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. This financial assistance aims to ease the burden on businesses that were affected by the Chief Health Officer’s COVID Restrictions between December 23, 2021, and January 4, 2022.
Financial Assistance for Small Businesses
The latest grant provides eligible businesses with financial relief of up to $12,500. This assistance is calculated at $1,130 for each impacted day that the business was affected by the COVID-19 restrictions. For non-employing businesses, the grant amount is capped at $4,400, or $400 per day of the restrictions period.
This cash injection is designed to help businesses in critical sectors recover from the financial strain caused by the pandemic. The sectors eligible for this grant include hospitality, music events, and the creative and performing arts. The grant is a vital resource to ensure these businesses can continue to operate during this challenging time.
Eligibility Criteria for the Grant
To qualify for the cash injection, businesses must meet the following criteria:
1. Business Location
Your business must be located within the Perth, Rottnest, or Peel regions.
2. Valid ABN
The business must have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).
3. Annual Turnover
Your business should have an annual turnover of more than $50,000.
4. Australia-Wide Payroll
The business must have a payroll of less than $4 million for the 2020-21 financial year.
5. Industry Sector
The business must operate in one of the following sectors:
- Hospitality sector
- Music events industry
- Creative and performing arts sectors
The business must also have been directly impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.
6. Decline in Turnover
The business must have experienced a decline in turnover of at least 30% compared to the same period in the prior year. New businesses can use another comparable period to demonstrate the decline in turnover.
How to Apply for the Cash Injection
Eligible businesses should apply for the cash injection through the Western Australian government’s business assistance portal. The application process requires businesses to provide details about their financial performance and confirm their eligibility based on the above criteria.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the official website of the Western Australian government’s business assistance portal.
- Complete the online application form with the required business details.
- Submit any necessary documentation to support your application (e.g., proof of turnover decline, ABN, and payroll information).
- Wait for approval and confirmation from the government.
Why This Cash Injection is Important
This cash injection is a crucial lifeline for small businesses that are struggling to recover from the economic impact of COVID-19. It provides immediate financial relief to businesses in sectors that were hit hardest by the restrictions, helping them cover operational costs, retain staff, and stabilize their financial position. Without this support, many businesses could face closure, leaving workers without employment and reducing the vibrancy of the local economy.
For eligible businesses, this grant is an opportunity to gain financial stability during an uncertain period and position themselves for recovery as Western Australia navigates the ongoing challenges of the pandemic.
If your small business in the hospitality, music events, or creative arts sector has been financially impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions in Western Australia, this cash injection grant could provide much-needed financial support. By meeting the eligibility criteria and applying promptly, you can access up to $12,500 in assistance to help your business recover and thrive.
Applications are open through SmartyGrants.
