Supporting Small Business with Immediate Lockdown Payments

The Territory Labor Government has released a new round of funding to support local businesses affected by the Top End’s latest COVID-19 lockdown, with immediate payments now available.

The payment is available to businesses located in the Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield Council areas, the Wagait and Belyuen Shires, Dundee, Bynoe, Charlotte, Cox Peninsula, and the municipality of Katherine, including Tindal.

The program is open to Northern Territory small businesses, not-for-profits or incorporated associations which are based in these areas, and the application process is simple, easy and will involve a declaration on behalf of the applicant.

During the first round of lockdown payments the Territory Labor Government supported more than 2,100 Territory businesses with $2.2 million in funding handed out.

The Territory Business Lockdown Payment is a one-off payment of $1000, designed to support small businesses that have either ceased trading or suffered a revenue loss of 50% or greater during the lockdown.

Eligible small businesses are those with a turnover of less than $10 million and less than 20 full-time-equivalent staff, and who have had to stop trading, or suffered a 50 per cent drop in turnover during lockdown.

The payment will help cover ongoing costs.

For more information for businesses, or to access the payments, please visit: https://businessrecovery.nt.gov.au/businesses/territory-business-lockdown-payment-program.

Chief Minister, Michael Gunner:said

“Last month we were able to re-open because we locked down so hard, and so fast.

“We are doing this again to keep Territorians safe, pausing everything so we can get on top of the outbreak.

“This lockdown is necessary, but I know it hurts as well. It is going to be especially hard for our small business owners who have had to shut down again to help keep the rest of us safe.

“That’s why we have re-opened the support payment for affected Top End businesses.”

Minister for Small Business, Paul Kirby: said,

“Our thoughts are with all our small businesses who are once again feeling the impacts of this lockdown, and we’re hoping this will offer some short-term support.

“This is the second big hit to our small businesses in the last couple of months and we know it’s been tough for Territory business owners.

“This is an evolving situation and we continue to talk to industry and businesses to determine the best ways to support our small businesses.”