Mr McCurdy said the latest business support package again failed to provide any funds for Victorians running their own business from home as a sole trader.
“Strict eligibility criteria on the Government’s token $3000 sole trader grant will stop many accessing desperately-needed support,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Only sole traders working from a permanent commercial location and in an industry that will be restricted or closed under the Second Step of the Roadmap can apply.
“Many have had to shut down for months and will need lots of help to get back on their feet.”
Mr McCurdy said many local businesses had discovered that they were ineligible for a range of promoted State Government grants recently, an issue he raised in Parliament at the last sitting.
“Of the grants that are on offer to some of the small businesses in our community, some of them are phantom grants, they are Clayton’s grants,” Mr McCurdy said.
“In other words, you tick nine out of the 10 boxes and you fail at the last hurdle, and that it is really frustrating.
“People are saying some of these grants are a con, and their businesses are weak at the knees. They are really struggling.”
Mr McCurdy said small businesses were at the heart of a strong local economy and without adequate support, more Victorian businesses would close.
“Small businesses are at the heart of a strong local economy and they need more help, not false hope.”
Sole traders and other impacted local businesses can contact Mr McCurdy’s electorate office on 5721 6155 or tim.mccurdy@parliament.vic.gov.au to share their story or at Vicn.at/messagetodan.
