Economic Stimulus Package

308 The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee) (14 October 2020). As at the close of business 13 October 2020, how many $10,000 grants had been paid to small businesses as part of the state government's economic stimulus package?

The Hon. S.S. MARSHALL (Dunstan—Premier): I have been advised:

The first round of small business grants opened on 21 April 2020 and closed for applications on 1 June 2020. More than 18,700 eligible businesses received grants of up to $10,000 totalling over $186.4 million.

A second round of $10,000 small business grants commenced on 9 November 2020, providing assistance to small businesses that employ staff who continue to be significantly impacted by COVID-19.

The second round also includes a $3,000 grant for small businesses that do not employ staff, are operating from a commercial premise and are receiving JobKeeper.

It is estimated that over $82 million in grants will be paid out as part of the second round of grants to around 10,000 small businesses.

As of 24 November 2020, over 4,100 applications had been received and over $12 million in grants already paid at that date. The number of applications and payment increase each day.

As a result of the three-day circuit-breaker, the application closing date for the second round of grants has been extended by over 10 weeks from 14 December 2020 to 28 February 2021. This will allow businesses who become eligible for the second extended JobKeeper payment from 4 January 2021 to apply for the second round of small business grants where they meet the eligibility criteria.