The announcement by the Federal and State governments to offer additional grants to struggling South Australian Businesses hit by the affects and restrictions of the 18-month long pandemic will provide a much-appreciated boost to regional business owners, said Member for Frome Geoff Brock MP.

Mr Brock said the new $15m COVID-19 relief package would be welcomed by the hospitality industry and tourism enterprises, and those employed in this sector, who had been adversely affected by long periods of lock down or trading restrictions.

“May small regional enterprises continue to struggle to keep their businesses viable, and we are all keen to see venues, hotels and restaurants stay open and increase capacity for patrons.

“We look forward to seeing our state reach the 80 per cent vaccination target before the end of the year, but right now it’s vitally important to support the lifeblood of our regional communities – those businesses who are often major employers and which help our towns remain viable.”

Mr Brock said the grants of up to $20,000 would be available as lump-sum payments to eligible affected businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector with an annual turnover of more than $5m.

“Those businesses who employ staff, but have a turnover of under $2m, will gain access to $3000 grants while sole-traders with no employees can access $1000 grants.”

In a positive move by government, those business who have previously received funding from the COVID-19 additional business support grant in the past month will automatically see this extra money paid into their business accounts in the next week.

“There is also a new business hardship grant for enterprises in other industry sectors which have seen a 50 per cent reduction in their turnover due to enforced pandemic-driven restrictions and who haven’t previously been eligible for support funding,” Mr Brock said.

Mr Brock said he welcomed the business community in his electorate to contact him with any concerns.