Small business eligible for funds

SMALL Tasmanian businesses will receive a much-needed boost to help tackle their energy costs.

On Sunday Energy Minister Guy Barnett announced one-off grants of $1000 would be available to small businesses with less that 20 employees that are situated in an embedded network.

Mr Barnett said about 1000 businesses such as hairdressers, florists, and newsagents were expected to benefit from the grants.

“While we have already provided an electricity, water, and or sewerage waiver to small businesses through utility providers, these grants are designed to help those small businesses that operate in embedded networks and don’t deal directly with a retail provider for these services,” he said.

Launceston Chamber of Commerce executive officer David Peach said initiatives such as this one would give small businesses an increased level of confidence.

“Some of the businesses are doing really well, some of the bigger organisations, but I believe a lot of the smaller ones are struggling quite a lot,” he said.

“Hospitality and tourism has taken a bit of a beating and as long as the borders remain closed I think that’s going to continue to be the case.”

He said retail businesses hoped the Christmas rush would begin to pick up soon, but this hinged on Tasmanians having disposable income to spend.

Applications for the grants will open at noon Monday and will close on October 26, unless funds are allocated prior.

The eligibility criteria and further information can be found at business.tas.gov.au.