Backing local business will help everyone

WE all know small businesses in Townsville are doing it tough right now but the State Government is helping as much as it can.

The Palaszczuk Government has announced Queensland small businesses can now apply for a grant of up to $10,000 under a new $100 million package to help them counter the impact of COVID- 19. The small business adaptation grants are part of Queensland’s economic recovery strategy, “Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs”.

They can be used for professional advice or services such as marketing, social media or business planning as well as specialised digital equipment.

With May being small business month, this is just one of a range of measures that we are supporting our Queensland small businesses with.

Any business looking to apply should head to the business Queensland website www.business.qld.gov.au.

This new grant program is on top of a range of measures we have introduced to support small businesses like energy rebates, waiving of liquor licence fees and interest-free loans.

What is really important is Townsville people continue to support small businesses as much as they can.

Many businesses have changed the way they operate to continue trading during this pandemic. If everyone can continue supporting these businesses, which are so important to regional communities, the better off everyone will be.

CORALEE O’ROURKE, Communities Minister and Member for Mundingburra.