The Queensland Government continues to support businesses in the state, both big and small, that have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with over $3 billion in funding delivered to help businesses adapt and recover.

With businesses around the state faced with the prospect of significantly altering their operations and adopting digital methods of operation, grant funding programs, like the Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program and the $1 billion Industry Support Package, has provided many businesses with crucial funds to perform these changes.

One business that has taken advantage of the funding available is MTA Queensland member Apollo Motorhomes, who recently received a $10 million concessional loan to upscale their manufacturing operations.

Based at Northgate, Brisbane, Apollo Motorhomes manufactures, sells, and rents motorhomes and campervans to travellers around Australia, employing 220 Queenslanders as part of their operations.

When COVID-19 hit, Apollo saw their rental market dry up almost immediately, with border closures resulting in a decline of more than 75 per cent.

However, while international visitors were banned from entering the country, local travellers looking to take advantage of in-state holidays and road trips has led a resurgence in caravan and motorhome sales, much to the delight of Apollo.

Apollo CEO Luke Trouchet was appreciative of the support shown by the State Government and said the loan would allow Apollo to continue to employ hundreds of Queenslanders and get more Australians on the roads visiting regional areas and providing a much needed boost to their economies.

“This support will help us navigate through this period of uncertainty, give us the opportunity to create a stronger platform, and continue to employ hundreds of people,” said Mr Trouchet.

“We applaud the steps being taken by the Queensland Government to minimise the economic impact of COVID-19 and help many businesses survive to participate in an eventual recovery.”

Apollo will use the funds to increase manufacturing to five days a week, up from the four days a week they are currently operating at.

Treasurer, Cameron Dick, who visited the Apollo facility to announce the loan, said support measures, like the one received by Apollo, played a key role in the Queensland Government’s commitment to supporting the state’s economy through this period.

“While our strong health response has spared Queensland from some of the worst economic impacts of COVID, we know many businesses are still hurting, especially in sectors like tourism,” said Mr Dick.

“That’s why we continue to deliver targeted support measures to affected industries, protecting Queensland jobs.

“As part of our plan to Unite and Recover for Queensland jobs, we have helped companies in sectors including tourism and aviation, building, construction, infrastructure and maintenance, taxis and limousines, agriculture, resources exploration and international education.”

As part of the state’s recovery plans, the Government has placed a focus on supporting businesses in future-proofing themselves.

Support has been made available to businesses large, like Apollo Motorhomes, and small, with the Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program providing much needed funds for small businesses attempting to re-open and retain employment during this time.

The Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grant comes in the form of a grant of up to $10,000 per business, with two pools of funding made available – one for businesses located in South East Queensland and one for regional businesses.

This funding may be used to support small and micro businesses in re-opening following the COVID-19 pandemic or assist in transitioning their business operations online through investments in digital technology.

Unfortunately, the pool of funding for businesses in located in South East Queensland has been exhausted, however, approximately 30 per cent of funding for regional businesses is still available (a full list of areas eligible for regional businesses funds can be found here).

If your small business is interested in learning more about whether they are eligible to apply for funding through the Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program, click here.

Source: Treasurer, Minister for Infrastructure and Planning | Palaszczuk Government provides more support for manufacturing and tourism jobs

27 August 2020