Business bulletin: 2 September 2021

The Northern Territory Government has broadened the Work, Stay and Play program to assist our local farmers and aged care sector attract workers to the Territory to fill critical workforce shortages.

Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions employers have struggled to find workers for the Territory’s seasonal harvests and to fill skill shortages in the aged care sector.

The expansion of the program will allow farmers to attract seasonal work crews in time for the Territory’s mango harvest and ease workforce pressures in our aged care sector.

The Work Stay and Play incentive is part of the government’s Critical Worker Support Package which has already been available to the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Around 150 tourism and hospitality businesses have so far registered for support to address critical workforce shortages.

Eligible businesses can apply for up to $1,500 for each new eligible workers. Businesses can claim for a maximum of 40 new workers to reimburse the costs associated with attracting a worker to move into a new job.

The payments are to reimburse the costs associated with attracting a worker to move into a job. The payment could be used to cover airfares, temporary accommodation, moving household effects, transporting a vehicle or rental assistance.

To read the terms and conditions and to apply, go to the Northern Territory Government website.

Tourism, hospitality and event businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions can access funding under the Territory Lockdown Support package.

Last month the Australian and Northern Territory governments released two new programs to support businesses and organisations who are reliant on interstate and international visitation.

The $9 million Visitation Reliant Small Business Support Program is designed to support small business, such as tourism and hospitality businesses, that have experienced mass cancellations due to interstate lockdowns and travel restrictions.

Under the co-funded program eligible employing businesses will receive a $3,000 payment while non-employing businesses, including sole traders will receive a $1,000 payment.

Eligible businesses must have an annual turnover of more than $75,000 and less than $10 million and will need to demonstrate a 30% decrease in turnover as a result of COVID-19 travel restrictions.

The other initiative is the $1.3 million Tourism Survival Fund. The fund is designed to support touring companies, professional conference organisers and exhibition build companies impacted by the lack of international visitors and who have not benefited from tourism vouchers.

Under the jointly scheme, businesses will be able to access payments between $5,000 and $30,000 depending on their annual turnover which must be less than $10 million. Eligible businesses must be able to demonstrate a 30% decrease in turnover, compared to the same period in 2019, as a result of the lockdown.

For more information on both programs or to apply, go to the Jobs First Plan website.

The Territory Tourism Vouchers are set to return next month providing a much needed boost to tourism operators.

The program is a great opportunity for Territorians to get out and explore their backyards while supporting our local tourism business and operators who continue to be at the forefront of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Territorians can register to receive a $200 voucher redeemable on a $1 for $1 basis from 8pm on Monday 4 October 2021.

Just like the previous Territory Tourism Voucher rounds, vouchers can be used on multiple tourism experiences, but only if they are booked in the one transaction.

To encourage bookings in all of our regions there is also an additional $200 bonus claim incentive redeemable on a $1 for $1 basis for Territorians who travel more than 400km to the booked product as part of a single journey (not including return trip).

Territorians who receive a voucher will be required to book within 14 days with all activities to be completed by 31 January next year.

The Territory Tourism Vouchers are open to any Territorian aged 18 or over.

To register, go to the Territory Tourism Voucher website.

Last month, a further four Territory companies graduated from the world-class Business Acceleration Program (BAP).

BAP is an initiative of the Northern Territory (NT) Government delivered by growth experts from the Australian Centre for Business Growth and supported by the Darwin Innovation Hub and new program partner the Chamber of Commerce NT.

BAP provides business owners, chief executive officers and managing directors with the knowledge and skills they need to develop as leaders, accelerate company growth and compete in a global marketplace.

The high value world-class program enables participants to identify opportunities, overcome business challenges and drive competitive advantage.

To date, BAP graduates have reported strong growth with 85% reporting an increase in revenue, 54% reporting an increase in profit and 85% recording an increase in jobs.

More than 90 NT based companies have attended the one day Assessment Clinics. A further 16 companies have gone on to graduate from the Growth Modules, including the four companies that graduated last week.

Congratulations to the four Growth Module graduate companies and their staff:

• Chartair, CEO Sarah Dewar
• M+J Builders, Managing Director Michael Buckley
• Universal Site Monitoring, Managing Director Emil Tastula
• Winnellie Hydraulics, General Manager Max Nicholson.

Fully subsidised placements for NT companies to join the current round of business growth Assessment Clinics are still available. To see upcoming dates and to apply, go to the Centre of Business Growth website.

Find out more about the Business Acceleration Program on the Centre of Business Growth website.

Territory business women are being encouraged to apply for the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award for the chance to receive at least $15,000 to benefit their business, program or project.

The award recognises inclusive and courageous female leaders in rural and emerging industries, businesses and communities. The Northern Territory Government has highlighted agribusiness as a priority growth sector which creates ongoing local jobs. Supporting the awards helps the Territory Government encourage future industry leaders.

Territory women in rural industries, including Aboriginal women, are urged to apply for the award. The 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has revised criteria which requires applicants to have an existing project, business or program which falls into a community, collaboration or commercial category.

Finalists receive a $15,000 bursary, as well as access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks. The national winner receives an additional $20,000 bursary and the national runner up is awarded an additional $15,000.

Northern Territory finalist Amy Kirke says women should lodge their application before the 28 January 2022 deadline.

“I’d encourage all eligible women to apply for the Rural Women’s Award because it’s a challenging but rewarding experience,” she said.

“This award provides you with a platform to do something you love and are passionate about. You’re also introduced to a network of strong, supportive, amazing women who are there to help build you up.”

Read more information and how to submit an application on the NT Rural Women’s Award page.

Local businesses can now catch up with latest defence news across the Territory with the first edition of the DefenceNT industry newsletter now available.

The August edition includes details about upcoming projects and tender opportunities, local business profiles and information on how DefenceNT can help your business work with defence and other national security agencies.

To find out more, read this month’s newsletter on the DefenceNT website.

Defence businesses and related supply chain operators, are encouraged to stay up-to-date with defence industry news from the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade.

The department plays a key role, helping to grow and promote the Northern Territory’s defence industry and the dedicated DefenceNT team is available to assist companies looking to increase their defence business maturity.

The team is also available to facilitate access to opportunities through engagement with the Department of Defence, Australian Defence Force and prime contractors.

Subscribe now with the Defence industry newsletter subscription form.