New wave of business failures feared as end looms for tenancy support scheme
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A small business lobby group is warning of a fresh wave of insolvencies when the state governmentâs COVID-19 Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme ends in late March.
The schemeâs helpline for small business owners hit by the COVID-19 crisis, or their landlords, has received more than 300 calls a week on average in the 11 months it has been running.
Victorian small businesses are doing it tough in 2021.
Credit:Tamara Voninski
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell says the Victorian Government needs to urgently compensate small businesses.
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell says the Victorian Government needs to urgently compensate small businesses.
Buying a cafe and live music venue at the height of COVID-19 restrictions paid off for these Canberra brothers, but how have other small businesses fared?
SunSunday 7
FebFebruary 2021 at 7:45pm
Max, Sam and Riley bought Gang Gang Cafe and Bar amid Canberra s COVID restrictions and have thrived.
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In the winter of 2020, dining out in Canberra like most of Australia was a rare occurrence.
Key points:
An inner-north cafe has become a hub for people working from home, and a popular music venue
But in the city, other businesses are struggling due to diminished foot traffic
Small Business Ombudsman Kate Carnell fears many will fold unless more workers return to the office
A HECS-style loan scheme for businesses, currently being considered by the Treasury, would provide a lifeline for many industries recovering from the economic shock of COVID-19, says the small business ombudsman.