Another round of financial support will be given to WA businesses affected by level two COVID restrictions after an announcement by the State Government today.

The grants worth up to $50,000 for medium-sized businesses, will be eligible for businesses who have a 50 per cent or greater reduction in turnover for any four week working period between January 1, 2022 and April 30, 2022, relative to the same period last year.

CEO of Sneakers and Jeans Hospitality Group, Andy Freeman, says the money will help.

“It’s much more impactful that we’ve got this today than what we’ve seen in the past couple of weeks,” he told Perth LIVE. “It’s never going to be enough, but we’ve been suffering since the back end of December.”

The grants will include:

• $3000 for sole traders (no employees);
• $7500 for micro businesses (those with one to five employees);
• $20,000 for small businesses (those with six to 19 employees); and
• $50,000 for medium-sized businesses (those with 20 or more employees and with an annual payroll of up to $4 million).

Mr Freeman says a number of local businesses are expecting a drop in consumers due to the new COVID restrictions.

“I do think it’s going to get worse now, the numbers are going to start climbing and with the restrictions and seated service only, two of our bars may have to close,” he said. “Support is needed beyond what’s been announced today.”

Press PLAY to hear the full interview.