Support for Small Business
Small Business Disaster Support – North Queensland Monsoon Trough & TC Koji
Small businesses in the McKinlay Shire affected by the North Queensland Monsoon Trough and associated Tropical Cyclone Koji may now be eligible for a range of Queensland Government disaster support programs.
Eligible small businesses may be able to access:
- Disaster Recovery Grants of up to $25,000 to support clean-up, repairs, replacement of damaged stock or infrastructure, and other recovery costs
- Disaster Assistance Loans of up to $250,000 to repair or replace damaged assets, premises, or stock
- Essential Working Capital Loans of up to $100,000 to assist with ongoing operating costs such as wages, rent, rates, fuel, fodder, water, and transport
For more information, including eligibility and how to apply, visit QRIDA’s website: https://www.qrida.qld.gov.au/business
The Queensland Government’s Small Business Action Plan also provides a range of services and programs to support small businesses at every stage of their journey, from start-up through to growth and resilience. These initiatives offer practical advice, capability-building opportunities, and access to expert guidance to help small businesses adapt, innovate, and succeed.
Programs and support available to all small businesses, including those impacted by the North Queensland Monsoon Trough, Associated Tropical Cyclone Koji, and Severe Weather, can be accessed via Business Queensland www.business.qld.gov.au or calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
These programs and services include:
It is with great pleasure that we advise that McKinlay Shire has now been included in the Queensland Government's Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant Program for businesses impacted by the Queensland Monsoon Trough, Cyclone Koji, Cyclone Narelle and associated severe weather events.
After many months of advocacy across multiple government departments, agencies and Ministers, we are extremely pleased to see the significant indirect impacts experienced by our local business community formally recognised. While many businesses may not have suffered direct physical damage, the prolonged road closures, supply chain disruptions, reduced visitation, freight challenges and economic impacts created very real hardship across our region.
We acknowledge that the past several months have been exceptionally challenging for many businesses. This funding recognises those impacts and provides an important opportunity for eligible businesses to access support as they continue their recovery.
Grant Overview Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant Program – 2025 Queensland Monsoon Trough
Funding Available
• Up to $15,000 (excluding GST) per eligible business
Applications Open
• Open now
Applications Close
• 5:00pm, 5 May 2027, or earlier if funding is exhausted via SmartyGrants.
Key Eligibility Criteria
Businesses must:
• Be located within McKinlay Shire
• Have fewer than 20 employees
• Have an annual turnover of $10 million or less
• Hold an active ABN and be registered for GST
• Have been actively trading prior to the disaster event
• Demonstrate that for at least 14 consecutive days they either:
- Were unable to trade, or
- Experienced a reduction in revenue of at least 70% compared to the same period in the previous year
Eligible Uses of Funding
Funding may be used for extraordinary recovery costs including:
• Employee wages and salaries
• Rent or rates
• Replacement of eligible lost or spoiled stock
• Marketing and promotional activities to regain customers
• Other costs associated with re-establishing business operations and maintaining employment
Supporting Evidence Required
Applicants will be required to provide supporting documentation which may include:
• Bank statements
• Evidence of reduced trading activity or revenue
• Photos or documentation demonstrating impacts
• Evidence of eligible recovery expenses
To apply
•Go to Home Page - CDSB SmartyGrants Portal
Further details, eligibility guidelines and application information can be found at:
Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant Program – 2025 Queensland Monsoon Trough
We thank all businesses who shared their experiences and assisted in demonstrating the genuine impacts felt across our region. This outcome is a testament to the strength, resilience and persistence of the McKinlay Shire business community.