The Tasmanian Government recognises the profound social and economic impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our small business community, especially in our rural and regional areas.
This is why I am pleased to announce that the Tasmanian Government has allocated a $100,000 support package for regional Chambers of Commerce, ensuring that they can continue to provide vital support services to Tasmania’s many regional businesses.
With the application period closing last week, grants of more than $8,300 will be provided to 12 regional Chambers of Commerce.
These funds will support activities and services identified by each of the Chambers as essential to their region and includes administration support, localised marketing campaigns, enhanced social media promotion, digital video conferencing and the development of regional recovery action plans.
This support is in addition to the broader Tasmanian Government’s Stimulus Package, which has already supported more than 14 500 businesses through the Small Business Emergency Support and Hardship, and Business Continuity Grants, with more than $38 million of payments made to Tasmanian businesses to date, from a total support package of $60 million.
While these grant programs have now closed to new applicants, any small business suffering hardship is encouraged to contact Business Tasmania on 1800 440 026 or www.business.tas.gov.au for information and advice on other assistance available, such as the Business Support Loan Scheme, how to access Free Business Advice through one of the Enterprise Centres, or referrals to digital coaches to assist managing businesses online.
We know that now, more than ever, regional and rural businesses are relying on the support and advice offered by their local chambers. This is why the Government will continue to engage with these organisations so they can assist with business outreach in relation to the industry COVID-19 Safety Plans and Guidelines that will allow businesses to re-open in accordance with our Roadmap to Recovery over the coming weeks and months.
List of Regional Chamber Grant Recipients:
Break O'Day Chamber of Commerce
Business NorthWest (Burnie)
Central Coast Chamber of Commerce
George Town Chamber of Commerce
King Island Chamber of Commerce
Northern Midlands Business Association
Flinders Island Tourism & Business Inc
North East Tasmania Chamber of Commerce (Scottsdale)
Stanley Chamber of Commerce
Orford & Triabunna Chamber of Commerce