Last updated September 2nd  2020.

There is so much information being released all the time with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Federal and State Governments have each released large stimulus packages to keep businesses open and people employed as much as possible.

SafeVisit is a FREE contact tracing tool developed to make it as easy as possible for both the business and the consumer. It is easy and fast to set up and you can begin using it immediately.

The web sites below can each be of assistance to you as you search for information that is relevant to your specific situation. 

Business Assistance Finder is a resource from Business Queensland and will make it easier for you to find the assistance that you are eligible for and how to go about receiving it. This includes all the assistance from both the Queensland and the Federal government. 

Small Business COVID-19 adaptation Grant Program. This program is to support small businesses who are subject to closure or highly affected by the corona virus. To find out if you are eligible or for more information this link is to the frequently asked questions. These grants are a first in first served basis. So if you want to apply, you will need to do so very soon. There is still almost half the money allocated still available at the time of writing.

Queensland’s Road-map to easing restrictions can be found here. Included here is information specific to nail salons and beauty therapists as well as for cafes and restaurants. There is also a lot more information about lighter restrictions in the outback and detailed instructions about access to remote areas. 

Safe Work Australia have some great resources available for businesses to use in relation to COVID-19 This includes items to print out and display as well as information about how to maintain a safe and healthy work place.

Business Queensland is a State Government website and it has all the information specific to Queensland businesses and State Government assistance packages. There is specific assistance available for specific industries most likely to be hardest hit by the restrictions, such as (but not limited to) imports and exports, tourism, hospitality and education.

Department of Employment, Small Business and Training If you have questions specifically about small business, training, including apprentices and trainees, and employment of any description, this department can answer those questions. If you are a small business who has been affected by the pandemic in any way, please fill out the survey and someone from the department will get in touch with you to give you personal assistance where possible. They also have a hotline for small businesses – 1300 654 687

The Australian Government – the Treasury This page contains all the information specifically from the federal government stimulus packages. There is a page for households, one for businesses and one about supporting the flow of credit. From this page there is also a link to the Corona virus Business Liaison Unit. 

The Australian Tax Office have also put together a summary of assistance measures relating directly to their department and your businesses tax obligations. One of these measures is the Jobkeeper payments. These are designed to help keep people employed and your staff close so that when the crisis is over, we can all get back to business fast. For more information or to see if you are eligible, click here.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ). This website is a great go to for all Businesses looking for information. CCIQ have a hotline where you can get one on one assistance – ph 1300 731 988.  This is available whether you are a member or not. CCIQ are also offering free webinars that are full of great information. If you are interested in one, head to the web page to see what is coming up. Then simply register and log in when it is time.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has detailed information about unpaid pandemic leave and the option for employees to take twice as much annual leave on half pay. On this page they have explained the changes to 99 separate awards. This information is particularly useful to businesses who have had to scale back their operations or close their doors.

The Australian Government Department of Heath and Queensland Health These are the best places to get accurate and up to date health information about the virus and all health matters. There are lots of misleading posts being shared on social media, some which are either entirely wrong, or a blend of fact and fiction. We urge you to get your information from reputable sources and to fact check. 

Beyond Blue are a really great resource if you are struggling with your mental health during the Corona Virus Outbreak. Many of us experience a heightened sense of anxiety and stress with change. When change is accompanied by a perceived threat such as illness or financial  difficulty, it can be hard to maintain a healthy perspective. If you are struggling, even a little, reach out to your GP or online assistance such as Beyond Blue. A little bit of help now may mean you cope better in the future. 

We wish all business large and small the very best during this difficult time. If Commerce North West can be of any further assistance to you and your business, please contact us.