ECEC services amongst SA small businesses who have benefited from cash grants

More than $253 million in cash grants has been paid to thousands of small businesses, including early childhood education and care (ECEC) services and other not-for-profit organisations across South Australia to help them survive and remain open through COVID-19, State Treasurer Rob Lucas has said.

Treasury analysis shows the Grants have supported more than 104,000 jobs, with many businesses describing the grants as a ‘lifeline’, providing ‘generous and vital support’ to help protect and secure local jobs during uncertain times.

Of the 20,885 businesses and not-for-profits to benefit – from childcare centres, cafes, restaurants and hotels to sporting clubs, clothing retailers, manufacturers and gyms – 20,097 received the $10,000 cash grant across Rounds 1 and 2 of the scheme.

A further 788 received a $3,000 grant, being small businesses who do not employ staff – including sole traders/partnerships – who operate from a commercial premise and are continuing to suffer COVID-19 hardship.

Those businesses who are still “doing it tough” have a further two weeks to apply for the grants, with applications closing midnight, February 28 2021.

“Our cash grants have provided critical, timely and targeted support for tens of thousands of local businesses and not-for-profit organisations to help them continue to trade through the greatest economic challenge of our time,” Mr Lucas said.

“This money has been used to help sustain jobs and assist cover a business’ ongoing or outstanding operating costs, such as rent, power bills, supplier and raw material costs as well as other fees.

“It’s part of our record $4 billion in economic stimulus over the next two years to support South Australian business and industry and turbo-charge the state’s ongoing economic recovery.”

Treasury analysis shows the major grant program has supported more than 104,000 jobs in businesses and not-for-profits across 400 local industries.

*For more information on eligibility criteria and to apply for a grant, businesses are urged to visit: www.treasury.sa.gov.au