With the COVID-19 health crisis deepening every day and many businesses experiencing economic and social impacts, we are providing residents, community groups and businesses facing hardship with a range of financial assistance measures: Provision of one on one business advisory sessions to help you understand the Federal and State Governments stimulus packages, and the support your business is eligible for. The deferment of rate payments for three months or the ability to enter into a more generous payment arrangement Compassionate payment options for commercial based debtors The ability for tenants of City owned or controlled premises to suspend/defer up to 100% of their rent payments (not including outgoings) for an initial three month period to 30 June Paying suppliers 15 days from the date of invoice. To access these measures or to find out more, call 08 9411 3444 or email customer@cockburn.wa.gov.au Your rates in 2020/21 The City is preparing the draft Municipal budget, 2020/21 for Council consideration and has requested the Local Government Minister defer the Gross Rental Value (GRV) revaluation scheduled to apply for 2020/21 to ensure a zero rate increase for all properties. Budget measures to be considered by Council (9 April) include: Removing interest and other fees and charges on rates Removing the mandatory waste service levy from commercial/industrial properties not currently utilising the City’s service.
Businesses helping the vulnerable
The City of Cockburn is compiling a list of businesses based within Cockburn who are providing necessary services to the vulnerable members of our community. This could be things such as home delivery, special services or any changes to your business that may help those in need.
The aim of the Cockburn community business directory is to support local businesses who in turn will be supporting the local community by offering specific services or promotions during this challenging time. The City will publish an online directory of local businesses and promote this to community groups and residents. Register below to add your business to the directory.
The Australian Government is supporting Australian businesses to manage cash flow challenges and retain employees. Yesterday, the JobKeeper Payment was announced. Under the JobKeeper Payment, businesses impacted by the Coronavirus will be able to access a subsidy from the Government to continue paying their employees. Affected employers will be able to claim a fortnightly payment of $1,500 per eligible employee from 30 March 2020, for a maximum period of 6 months. Employers will be eligible for the subsidy if:
Their business has a turnover of less than $1 billion and their turnover will be reduced by more than 30 per cent relative to a comparable period a year ago (of at least a month) The employer must have been in an employment relationship with eligible employees as at 1 March 2020 The employer must confirm that each eligible employee is currently engaged in order to receive JobKeeper Payments Not-for-profit entities (including charities) and self-employed individuals (businesses without employees) that meet the turnover tests that apply for businesses are also eligible to apply for JobKeeper Payments.
Confused about how the stimulus can support your business?
The City of Cockburn has partnered with Business Foundations to deliver complimentary one-on-one advisory sessions to provide information about the Federal and State stimulus packages, and what support is available to your small business via the programs. Business Foundations can offer the service online or over the phone. Advisors will spend an hour with you, providing tailored advice. To access this service please email the Business Engagement Officer, who will arrange a call back from a qualified Advisor.
The City of Cockburn has partnered with Business Foundations to deliver complimentary one-on-one advisory sessions to provide guidance in the face of the challenge that COVID-19 presents to businesses. This can be offered online or over the phone if required. Advisors will spend an hour per session with each business, providing tailored advice.
Session 1 – Strategic Review Business continuity plan 6 month cash-flow forecast Occupation health and safety for staff/employment obligations Session 2 – Review of Cashflow and Expenditure This is an in depth look at financial pressures in the business, looking to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on the bottom line Session 3 – Sales and Marketing Review Review sales channels, and identify new opportunities Packaging of products in new ways (gift vouchers, advance booking discounts, delivery boxes) Identifying adjacent markets
Eligibility Criteria
A lease on, or ownership of a business in the City of Cockburn; and Small business as defined by Australian Bureau of Statistics (fewer than 20 employees) and the Australian Taxation Office (Annual revenue less than $2 million).
Please note that: - Only a limited number of places are available for eligible businesses. - Businesses can elect to do session 1 only, or all three sessions. - Businesses who register but do not utilise the sessions will be charged a fee To access this service please email the Business Engagement Officer, who will arrange a call back from a qualified advisor for eligible businesses.
For businesses experiencing financial difficulty, assistance is also available via the Australian Tax Office (ATO). For more information visit the ATO Website.
If you have any queries or would like to get in touch with Sarah Kahle, Business Engagement Officer please email business@cockburn.wa.gov.au or call 08 9411 3444
