REDLANDS business owners have been urged to get in quick for state government grants, with Capalaba LNP candidate Bev Walters saying a new round of funding announced this week was sure to be in high demand.
Queensland small businesses can apply for up to $10,000 under the new $100 million Small Business Adaption Grants program to help counter the impact of COVID-19.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the program had been developed to assist those small businesses forced into hibernation, to restructure or to significantly change their business operations or move online.
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Small businesses could apply for money for financial, legal or other professional advice, marketing and communications activities and digital or technology strategy development.
The grants could also be used to buy specialised digital equipment or business specific software to help move the business online.
Ms Walters urged all small business owners in the Redlands to apply for these grants as quickly as possible.
"Small businesses right throughout the state will be applying and it's important that Redlands businesses receive a share," she said.
"The QRIDA loans were quickly oversubscribed and many small businesses missed out.
"There will be a similar demand for these grants so it's important for business owners in the Redlands to apply urgently so as to not miss out a second time.
"In times such as these it's important that locals support our own local businesses wherever possible."
The National Retail Association welcomed the grants program, with chief executive Dominique Lamb saying retailers were appreciative of any help during the turmoil.
"The NRA estimates that our members lost $1 billion in the month of March alone due to the impact of COVID-19," Ms Lamb said.
"The fate of thousands of Queensland small businesses continues to hang in the balance and all support is welcomed.
"Retailers force to hibernate or limit their services need assistance with expenses ranging from financial and legal advice, the cost of restructuring and marketing costs. These and many more expenses will be covered by the grant which is good news.
"We will be encouraging all our members to see if they are eligible and will assist them if they need help in determining this."
Applications are open now and will close when funding has been exhausted.
