Grants open for business, closing for live music

Published 2:49pm 13 August 2021

Moreton Bay Region businesses can start preparing applications for the state government’s COVID-19 Business Support grants, which open at noon on Monday, August 16, while live music venues have until the same day to apply for Round two of the Live Music Support Program.

Round two of the Live music Support Program aims to support dedicated live music venues by helping with costs incurred between March 29 and June 20 this year.

Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch told a Parliamentary Committee today a $3 million injection into Queensland’s arts sector includes almost $1 million for nine Queensland venues as part of the Live Music Support Program.

Supporting arts and culture

“In addition, project grant funding of $1,358,000 from Queensland Arts Showcase Program Round 4 will support 33 vibrant and accessible arts and cultural projects,” Ms Enoch says.

“Finally, the Touring Queensland Fund and Touring Queensland Quick Response Fund will support 31 tours with over $1 million to date to hit the road, delivering performances, exhibitions and workshops across Queensland.

“The live music industry and the arts sector have been some of the hardest hit by the pandemic and the government is committed to helping sustain the sector through these challenging times.”

Help for small and medium businesses

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer says guidelines and templates are now available for the COVID-19 Business Support grants program, to help small and medium businesses affected by recent lockdowns in Queensland and in other parts of Australia.

“We know businesses have been doing it tough as we take the steps that are necessary to protect Queenslanders from COVID-19,” Ms Farmer says.

“Applications will open on Monday 16 August at midday, but all of the information businesses need to prepare is now available on business.qld.gov.au/supportgrants.”

Ms Farmer says the site has a templated accountant letter, guidelines about the grants and answers to frequently asked questions.

“We know the best help we can give Queensland businesses is to keep lockdowns short and sharp, keep our economy growing, and get businesses open and trading again as soon as possible.

Applications open for three months

Ms Farmer says applications will be open for three months and all eligible businesses which apply will receive funding.

“If huge numbers of businesses go to the website as the same time on Monday the site may be a little slow,” she says.

“If that happens to you just come back in an hour or two – nobody is going to miss out.”

The new grants are in addition to other support, including Business Basics, Business Boost and Business Growth grant programs, a free Mentoring for Growth service, record investment in employment and training programs and online tools to make doing business easier.

Visit business.qld.gov.au to find out more.