‘Desperate’ businesses exhaust council grants fund in three days

A council has had to suspend its coronavirus support grants program after businesses exhausted available funds in just three days.

A COUNCIL has suspended submissions for the innovation grants component of its Community Care and Recovery program after an overwhelming response from businesses.

The Level 2 innovation grants were a part of the Launceston City Council’s $8.5 million coronavirus support package announced last week.

They were open to small businesses seeking funding of up to $7000 to adapt their business practices to new technologies.

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Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten. Picture: PATRICK GEE

Mayor Albert van Zetten said the “unprecedented” response to the program mean Council had to “hit pause” on accepting any more applications.

“Essentially, all of the allocated funds have been exhausted,” he said.

Ald van Zetten said businesses were still able to apply for the $1000 level one grants program for professional advice and assistance, until those funds were exhausted.

“We fully understand how difficult this pandemic has been on our business sector in Launceston,” he said.

“Given the incredible response we’ve had after just three working days, there’s obviously a number of businesses out there desperate to try new and innovative ways of operating as they adapt to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

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