Chief Minister Michael Gunner has announced a Territory Small Business Lockdown Payment for businesses affected by the COVID-19 lockdown in the Top End.
This includes businesses that are located in the areas of Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield Council areas, and Wagait and Belyuen Shires, currently impacted by the 48 hour lockdown.
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 will be simple, easy and involve a declaration on behalf of the applicant.
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.
Terms and Conditions for the Territory Business Lockdown Payment will be available from when the grant opens tomorrow at midday 28th June 2021 via https://businessrecovery.nt.gov.au/.
Quotes from Chief Minister, Michael Gunner:
“We will always do whatever it takes to keep Territorians safe. That’s why we need this lockdown – to pause everything while we 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 to help keep the rest of us safe.
“That’s why we are opening up a new support payment for affected Top End businesses from tomorrow – the Territory Business Lockdown Payment."
Quotes from Minister for Small Business, Paul Kirby:
“Our hearts go out to small business owners who are feeling the immediate impacts of this lockdown, and we’re hoping this will offer some short-term support.
“My message to small business owners is this – we’re here to help you at the same time as keeping Territorians safe. That’s our focus.”