As you may or may not be aware, the Western Australian government has announced new COVID-19 Business Assistance Packages for Western Australian businesses adversely affected by the increase of COVID-19 cases in the community.
The two new packages are classed as:
- Level 1 – focussed on small business rent relief, and;
- Level 2 – focussed on hardship relief and payroll tax waivers.
We have highlighted the details and criteria for these two packages below for your convenience. If you’d like to discuss your eligibility please get in touch with our team on (08) 9227 6444.
Level 1 • Small Business Rental Relief Package
This package is focused on rent relief for both tenant and landlord.
In order to be eligible, the small business must meet the following criteria:
- Annual turnover of more than $50,000.
- Valid and active Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Australia-wide payroll of less than $4 million.
- Provide proof of tenancy (lease) in WA (excluding Government tenants).
Able to demonstrate a 30% reduction in revenue for any four-week consecutive time frame between 1 January 2022 to 30 April 2022, compared to the equivalent period in 2021. An alternative period in 2021 may be used if the business did not operate at that time or it provides an inaccurate representation of the business’ financial situation.
Small business tenants can apply for rent relief grants of $3,000.
Landlords who voluntarily match the Government’s Tenant Rent Relief payments of $3,000 per tenant will be eligible for an incentive payment of $1,500.
APPLICATIONS OPEN: NOW
Level 2 • Small Business Hardship Grant Package
In order to be eligible for the Small Business Hardship Grant, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Valid and active Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Australia-wide payroll of less than $4 million.
- Able to demonstrate a 50% reduction in revenue for any two-week consecutive period between 1 January 2022 to 30 April 2022, compared to the equivalent period in 2021. An alternative period in 2021 may be used if the business did not operate at that time or it provides an inaccurate representation of the business’ financial situation.
Payments to eligible businesses will be according to business size:
- $3,000 grant – sole traders (0 employees)
- $7,500 grant – micro businesses (1-5 employees)
- $20,000 grant – small businesses (6-19 employees)
- $50,000 grant – medium-sized businesses (20+ employees, annual payroll less than $4M)
APPLICATIONS OPEN: 17 MARCH 2022
Level 2 • Payroll Tax Waiver
For the payroll tax waiver, larger hospitality businesses that have a payroll of between $4 million and $20 million will be eligible for a three-month payroll tax waiver if they have experienced at least a 50% drop in turnover over any four-week period between 1 January 2022 and 30 April 2022, comparable to the same period last year.
Additional Information
You can view the comprehensive list of WA Government COVID-19 Business Assistance Packages and Grants available and eligibility criteria here.
In the meantime, we recommend you prepare by setting up your myGovID (if you don’t already have one) which will streamline your application.
Please don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have any queries regarding the grants.
