Shire of Waroona president Mike Walmsley encourages businesses to apply for Small Business Assistance Grants

Shire of Waroona president Mike Walmsley has encouraged businesses to make the most of the State Government’s Small Business Assistance Grants. Applications are now open for financial support of businesses directly impacted by public health measures in the Perth and Peel regions from December 23, 2021, to January 4, 2022. The Small Business Development Corporation said the grants would help small businesses and sole traders in the hospitality and events sectors that had experienced a reduction in turnover of at least 30 per cent compared to the same 11-day period last year. Mr Walmsley said business owners should make the most of any funding they were eligible for throughout the pandemic. Despite this, the Shire president admitted these processes could often be hard for people who are already trying to balance the running of a small business. “You feel for people; if they have really suffered, and everyone would have, they should make use of what they can.” The payment will be based upon the number of days that businesses were impacted over the period. Employing businesses may receive $1130 for each impacted day, while sole traders may receive $400 for each day. Businesses can check their eligibility and apply online at smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/assistance-grant.