Business Resources NOVEMBER 2020 UPDATE
Here's the latest collection of resources we've compiled for your convenience since our last member's newsletter. For members, information about the following can also be found in Chamber's Member Information Centre (MIC) online.
With the advent of cyclone and storm season it’s a good time to make sure you have measures in place for business continuity in the event of severe weather and natural disasters.
Sunshine Coast Council DISASTER HUB as well as their Be Prepared Guide contain a useful checklist in making sure you are prepared as well as handy to have on hand for emergency contact numbers and essential trades, services etc.
The Queensland Government GET READY QLD WEBSITE also has comprehensive information for preparedness planning and actions to protect you and your family, your home and your business.
The September Pulse Survey by the Chamber of Commerce & Industry, which is based on survey responses from Queensland businesses “has pleasingly recorded another improvement that builds on the slow recovery experienced in the June quarter. However, business sentiment is forecast to plateau before the New Year with a significant period of uncertainty still to be overcome.
The results for the September quarter indicate that Queensland is entering the next phase of the COVID-19 crisis where the activity is comparatively better than earlier in the year but well short of sustainable and healthy business conditions. Currently, business performance indicators continue to remain below their 10-year averages where many have remained since September 2019; a period comparable to the GFC.”
Key Findings:
- Three in five businesses still believe that the National and Queensland economies will deteriorate over the next 12 months.
- One in four businesses report improved business conditions compared to the June quarter.
- One in three businesses indicated an increase in their sales revenue.
- One-half of businesses continue to indicate that their profitability declined.
SOURCE: CCIQ Pulse Survey September Qtr 2020
A new grant funding opportunity from $100,000 up to $750,000 to fund eligible project expenditure has been released by the Australian Government for business advisors to improve cyber security awareness and capabilities of SMEs.
The Cyber Security Business Connect and Protect Program provides trusted organisations that advise small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with funding to raise awareness of cyber security risks and promote action to address these risks.
This grant is currently open, with closing date of 30 November 2020. Information on eligibility, and the application process is available on the business.gov.au website
Stage 5 Restrictions are now in place, taking effect from 4pm on the 17th November 2020. Indoor premises can have one person per 2m2, indoor seated events can have 100% capacity with patrons wearing masks on entry and exit, outdoor events can have up to 1500 attendees with a COVID Safe Plan, open air stadiums can have 100% capacity and weddings and funerals can have 200 guests.
From 11.50pm Monday 16 November, numerous LGAs in South Australia have also been declared COVID-19 hotspots, and as a consequence further changes to border restrictions and travel from Adelaide have been introduced.
READ MORE about the Business, Activities and Undertakings Direction (No. 9)
Summaries of the range of support for individuals and households, businesses and employers, including the JobMaker Hiring Credit are now accessible online.
Benefits for individuals and households includes:
- Lower taxes to put more money in the pockets of everyday Australians.
- Encouraging more training to give people the skills they need to get a job.
- New and accelerated infrastructure projects to support jobs.
- Help for first home buyers to purchase a new home sooner.
- Support for pensioners.
Benefits for businesses and employers include:
- Encouraging more training to give people the skills they need to get a job.
- Incentives to help with investment.
- Temporary JobMaker Hiring Credit.
- Tax refunds.
The Morrison Government’s Local Recovery Fund has been announced for 25 select regions experiencing high unemployment to develop local and tailored projects, to help Australians get back into work and assist communities recover from the economic impact of COVID-19.
Applications under the Department of Education, Skills and Employment Local Jobs Program are now open for local groups and organisations to apply to receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $200,000, to develop projects, including mentoring, training and reskilling, in line with local employment needs.
The program runs to 30 June 2022, bringing together expertise, resources and access to funding at the local level to focus on reskilling, upskilling and employment pathways for people in each region. The program is part of supporting Australia’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Morrison Government introduced legislation into the Parliament on November 12, 2020 to progress the most significant changes to Australia’s insolvency framework in 30 years as part of their economic recovery plan to keep businesses in business and Australians in jobs.
Following the passage of legislation through the Parliament, these new insolvency processes will be available for small businesses from 1 January 2021.
DEBST, in their 18 November 2020 newsletter, stated that “the Corporations Amendment (Corporate Insolvency Reforms) Bill 2020 is expected to take effect from 1 January 2021 once the current temporary measures expire at the end of this year.”
READ MEDIA RELEASE by the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia
Tourism Australia is encouraging everyone to explore the many options available across the country and support local operators and communities to recover.
With the new media campaign featuring Hamish and wife Zoe being broadcasted directly in our homes on the TV, the key message is that “there’s never been a better – or more important – time to get out and explore Australia.”
CHECK OUT THE NEW WEBSITE to explore your backyard and discover more as well as find deals and special offers on accommodation, attractions and tours from Australian tourism operators.