• Additional $67 million in business support for those affected by COVID-19
• Eight programs to support businesses subject to public health and social measures
• New programs in addition to the $77 million Safe Transition Industry Support Package
• Applications for support programs to open soon
• WA's strong budget has provided financial capacity to deliver immediate assistance
• The McGowan Government has now committed $1.6 billion to COVID business support

The McGowan Government has announced almost $67 million for a new COVID-19 Business Assistance Package for businesses adversely affected by increasing cases and the necessary implementation of Level 1 public health and social measures.

To assist small businesses with cash flow and to support safe trading, this new package includes up to $6,000 in rent relief, outdoor dining and entertainment support grants and further funding for business counselling services.

This package, which includes eight tailored programs, is in addition to the McGowan Government's $77 million Safe Transition Industry Support Package.

To date, the McGowan Government has committed more than $1.6 billion to support businesses throughout the pandemic.

The Level 1 COVID-19 Business Assistance Package includes:

Small Business Rental Relief Package

• $42 million Tenant Rent Relief Scheme providing grants of $3,000 to eligible small business tenants;
• $10.7 million Landlord Rent Relief Incentive supporting eligible landlords with $1,500 - who voluntary match the Government's Tenant Rent Relief payments; and
• $1.5 million Tenant Rental Credit Scheme providing a rental waiver or credit of $6,000 for eligible small business tenants of Government-owned buildings.

Outdoor Dining and Entertainment Support Package

• $5 million Alfresco Support Program to reimburse small businesses in the hospitality sector with up to $5,000 for eligible costs associated with creating and expanding an alfresco area to meet the requirements of public health and social measures;
• $3.5 million Waiver of Liquor Licencing fees. Liquor licence renewal fees for 2022 will be waived and refunds provided for businesses that have already paid. One-off fees for variations to liquor licencing to enable alfresco services will also be waived, and fees for a COVID-19 occasional permit will be waived to permit the sale of takeaway alcohol as part of a takeaway meal;
• $1.8 million Nightclub Assistance Program payments of up to $50,000 for eligible nightclubs impacted by capacity limits and social distancing; and
• $1.3 million Performing Arts, Theatres and Cinemas Assistance Program, providing payments of up to $50,000 to provide cash flow assistance to a range of larger, indoor entertainment venues that are particularly affected by capacity constraints.

Other business support

• $1 million Small Business Financial Counselling and Advisory Services funding to expand small business support services administered by the Department of Communities.

For more information, visit https://www.wa.gov.au

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

"As COVID-19 caseloads continue to increase, and with some public health and social measures in place to manage the spread of the virus, we expect some businesses will experience declines in revenue.

"For some this impact will be greater than others and likely put pressure on their cash flow.

"Our latest $67 million businesses support package recognises these impacts and supports those businesses most impacted to get through the next phase of the pandemic.

"Over the past two years Western Australians have done the right thing and supported local businesses and now is the time to continue to patron WA businesses, venues and events.

"Thanks to our world-leading vaccination rate and sensible public health measures, Western Australians can have confidence in safely going out and socialising with friends and family.

"Under these Level 1 public health rules and by keeping up our COVID safe practices we can continue to operate safely and keep businesses in business.

"Our strong financial position by maintaining a healthy budget has given us the capacity to provide this immediate assistance.

"Since December we have provided four financial support packages for WA businesses, including the Safe Transition Industry Support Package, ReconnectWA and grants for businesses impacted by the Delta Backpacker outbreak, taking the total investment to assist WA businesses through the pandemic to date to $1.6 billion."

Premier's office - 6552 5000