Salesforce has partnered with the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) to bring the Salesforce Care Small Business Grants to Australia.
There will be 67 one-off $10,000 grants offered to eligible Australian small businesses to help them overcome the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To be eligible for the grant, businesses must be a for-profit business with an ABN, employ between two and 50 employees, have annual revenue of $150,000 to $2 million, have been in business for a minimum of two years, can show the impact the COVID-19 pandemic and meet COSBOA criteria.
Applications are now open and close on 1 June 2020. Successful applicants will be announced by early July.
Successful applicants will be able to use the funds for operational costs including paying rent and paying employees, offsetting marketing costs, investing in customer experience and purchasing inventory for the long term
Making the announcement, Salesforce Australia and New Zealand CEO, Pip Marlow said there has been many Australian small businesses working to stabilise their businesses, to reimagine how they operate and to find new ways to connect with their customers.
“As we look to the next phases of reopening many parts of our society, small business is challenged to return to work and to grow in the next normal,” she said.
“It has been amazing to see how businesses have adapted. From restaurants providing prepare at home meal kits through to dance studios teaching students online. One of my favourites is my local cheese shop in Manly, it has created a new community with virtual wine and cheese nights.
“I am in awe of the way so many have adapted to the restrictions placed on them and found ways to flourish. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. Here at Salesforce we see their creativity and resilience up close every day and are proud to be able to support their efforts.”
Minister for Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon. Michaelia Cash said the grants would be a much-needed boost for the successful small businesses and will complement other support that the Government has provided. “COVID-19 has had a considerable impact on businesses in Australia and these grants will help small businesses to get through this period, innovate, employ and grow into the future.”
COSBOA CEO, Peter Strong said the Council is proud to team up with Salesforce to deliver much needed support for small businesses. “We encourage every eligible small business to get in touch and apply, this money could be essential to getting your business back to work and back to growth.”