BOAQ Covid-19 Response

​BOAQ Online Free or low-cost CPD Information sheet

Small Business Assistance During Covid-19

1. Australian Federal Government Support  

   https://www.business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/supporting-small-businesses-during-coronavirus 

   The Australian Government has announced measures to support businesses impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19).  See below for assistance available.

   Australian Banks - Australian banks have hardship teams ready to help. If you’re dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, or drought, bushfire or flood, there are practical ways your bank can help. The type of assistance will depend on individual circumstances.Remember to contact your own bank to access these initiatives - https://www.ausbanking.org.au/campaigns/financial-hardship/
   • JobKeeper Payments - https://www.ato.gov.au/general/jobkeeper-payment/
   • Increased Instant Asset Write-off - https://www.ato.gov.au/Business/Depreciation-and-capital-expenses-and-allowances/Simpler-depreciation-for-small-business/Instant-asset-write-off/
   • Backing Business Investment (BBI) - https://www.ato.gov.au/Business/Depreciation-and-capital-expenses-and-allowances/Backing-business-investment---accelerated-depreciation/
   • Increased and accelerated income support - Expanding eligibility to income support payments and establishing a new, time limited coronavirus supplement. Payments will commence from 27 April 2020. - https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/news/more-financial-support-people-affected-coronavirus
   • Assistance for affected regions, communities and industries - https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses
   • Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme - https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/sme-guarantee-scheme
   • Temporary early release of superannuation – Access through the MyGov Website more information about rates etc. - https://www.business.gov.au/Risk-management/Emergency-management/Coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/Early-access-to-superannuation
   • Tax Support - The Australian Tax Office (ATO) is providing relief for some tax obligations for businesses affected by the outbreak, on a case-by-case basis. Contact the ATO’s Emergency Support Infoline for businesses on 1800 806 218 for more information or to request this help.
   • A hold on evictions for renters – commercial as well as residential - https://business.gov.au/risk-management/emergency-management/coronavirus-information-and-support-for-business/a-hold-on-evictions-for-renters
      
2. Queensland Government Support

   Business Queensland page is under constant revision as additional measures are put in place.  Visit here for more up to date information https://www.business.qld.gov.au/home

   • Payroll Tax Relief - https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/employing/payroll-tax/lodging/coronavirus-tax-relief

   • Power bill relief -  Your business may be eligible for a $500 rebate off energy bills (PDF, 153KB) if you consume less than 100,000kWh. This will be automatically applied on your business electricity bills.

   • Phone the Small Business Hotline on 1300 654 687 or take the business impact survey to link with relevant support.
   • Queensland Mental Health Commission has produced a range of resources to assist during the pandemic - https://info.qmhc.qld.gov.au/covid19-and-mental-health
   • Mentoring for Growth program - Mentoring for Growth (M4G) offers eligible businesses free access to volunteer business experts who provide insights, options and suggestions relating to challenges and opportunities you are experiencing in your business. - https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/growing-business/business-mentoring/mentoring-growth
   • TAFE Qld is offering Training and mentoring packages are available for eligible small businesses from the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, partnering with TAFE Queensland. These webinars will help you identify risks,  build financial skills and plan to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on your business. https://go.tafeqld.edu.au/covid-19-home.html
      
3. Local Government support for business

   Many local governments across the state are providing support to businesses, including the waiving or deferral of fees and charges.  Contact your local council for more information.

4. Industry Information and Support

• Australian Institute of Architects - https://www.architecture.com.au/about/national-covid-19-response/
• Association of Consulting Architects Australia - https://aca.org.au/
• Council of Small Business Organisations Australia - https://www.cosboa.org.au/covid-19

Queensland Mental Health Commission