Further disaster help for small businesses in north Queensland

In another welcomed disaster support measure for north Queensland, Small Business Recovery Assistance Grants up to $15,000 are now available to eligible small businesses that experienced significant trading disruptions due to this year's summer flooding.

The grants are part of more than $430 million in extraordinary support packages announced under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Targeted at small businesses that either ceased trading or suffered a revenue loss of 60 per cent or more for at least two consecutive weeks as a direct result of the disaster, the grants will help impacted north Queensland operators get back on their feet.

Funds can be used to cover essential costs like wages, rent and resupply so businesses can put their energies into reopening, retaining staff and reconnecting with their customer base.

Eligible businesses must be located in one of the following eight local government areas: Burdekin, Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook, Palm Island, Townsville, and Yarrabah.

Program funding allocation is capped at $15 million, with applications to remain open until all funds are exhausted.

Successful applicants will need to demonstrate financial impacts due to the disaster, and also outline their intent to continue operating and how the funding will contribute to that.

More information on eligibility and how to apply is available via the Business Queensland website, with grants assessed on a competitive basis.

The North and Far North Tropical Low in January and February this year saw record-breaking flood conditions swamp Queensland's northern reaches.

In response to the disaster event, 40 LGAs across the north, Far North and north-west have been activated for DRFA support.

The $15 million Small Business Recovery Assistance Grants Program is complemented by the $3.86 million Small Business Support Network that offers one-on-one case management focused on mental health and financial security.

Other support available to flood damaged small businesses in north Queensland includes disaster loans up to $250,000 and Disaster Recovery Grants up to $25,000, with applications for these two measures open via QRIDA.