Disaster Assistance (Essential Working Capital) Loans are available to assist primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations with essential working capital for expenses.
Disaster Assistance (Essential Working Capital) Loan
Loan features
|
Loan amount |
Maximum of $100,000 |
|
Loan term |
Up to 10 years |
|
Repayments |
If needed, up to two years interest only may be available |
|
Security |
A loan under the scheme must be secured by a mortgage of land and other assets satisfactory to QRIDA. |
|
Fees |
No establishment fees, no account maintenance fees and no fees for early payout. |
What assistance is available?
Concessional loans are provided to assist you with essential working capital for expenses such as:
- paying salaries or wages
- paying creditors
- paying rent or rates
- buying goods, including for example, fuel essential to carry on the primary production enterprise
- buying fodder or water for livestock or produce
- transporting livestock or produce.
Defined disaster area
The Minister for Fire and Emergency Services has activated disaster assistance for primary producers for the following events:
South East Queensland Rainfall and Flooding, 22 February - 5 April 2022
To be eligible for assistance your property must be located in one of the defined disaster areas:
- Brisbane City Council
- Fraser Coast Regional Council
- Gold Coast City Council
- Gympie Regional Council
- Ipswich City Council
- Lockyer Valley Regional Council
- Logan City Council
- Moreton Bay Regional Council
- Noosa Shire Council
- North Burnett Regional Council
- Redland City Council
- Scenic Rim Regional Council
- Somerset Regional Council
- South Burnett Regional Council
- Southern Downs Regional Council
- Sunshine Coast Regional Council
- Toowoomba Regional Council
Applications close 31 December 2023.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth, 7 – 10 January 2022
To be eligible for assistance your property must be located in one of the defined disaster areas:
- Bundaberg Regional Council
- Fraser Coast Regional Council
- Gympie Regional Council
- North Burnett Regional Council
- South Burnett Regional Council
Applications close 31 December 2023.
Central, Southern and Western Queensland Rainfall and Flooding, 10 November – 3 December 2021
To be eligible for assistance your property must be located in one of the defined disaster areas:
- Balonne Shire Council
- Banana Shire Council
- Bundaberg Regional Council
- Goondiwindi Regional Council
- Lockyer Valley Regional Council
- Scenic Rim Regional Council
- Somerset Regional Council
- South Burnett Regional Council
- Southern Downs Regional Council
- Toowoomba Regional Council
- Western Downs Regional Council
Applications close 31 December 2023.
Southern Queensland Severe Weather, 20 - 31 March 2021
To be eligible for assistance your property must be located in one of the defined disaster areas:
- Goondiwindi Regional Council
- Southern Downs Regional Council
Application close 31 December 2022.
Tropical Cyclone Niran and Associated Low Pressure System, 25 February - 3 March 2021
To be eligible for assistance your property must be located in one of the defined disaster areas:
- Cairns Regional Council
- Cassowary Coast Regional Council
- Hinchinbrook Regional Council
- Mareeba Shire Council
- Tablelands Regional Council
Application close 31 December 2022.
QRIDA administers financial assistance to disaster affected primary producers, businesses and non-profit organisations under the joint Commonwealth / Queensland Government funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements 2018.
Apply now
Please do not mail original documents as we are unable to return them.
Frequently asked questions
View all FAQsGet in touch
Have a question, need some help or would like more information? We're here to help you.
News, events and stories
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Read QRIDA's Autumn 2022 Prime Focus
Read about the new low interest drought loans that are available for Queensland primary producers as well as how the disaster… -
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What he didn’t expect was how high the flood was going to peak. “Scubas Car Wash was completely submerged by flood waters,…
Related information
Loan features
|
Loan amount |
Maximum of $100,000 |
|
Loan term |
Up to 10 years |
|
Repayments |
If needed, up to two years interest only may be available. |
|
Security |
A loan under the scheme must be secured by a mortgage of land and other assets satisfactory to QRIDA. |
|
Fees |
No establishment fees, no account maintenance fees and no fees for early payout. |
What assistance is available?
Concessional loans are provided to assist you with essential working capital for expenses such as:
- paying salaries or wages
- paying creditors
- paying rent or rates
- buying goods, including for example, fuel essential to carry-on the small business.
Defined disaster areas
The Minister for Fire and Emergency Services has activated disaster assistance for:
South East Queensland Rainfall and Flooding, 22 February - 5 April 2022
To be eligible for assistance your business must be located in one of the defined disaster areas:
- Brisbane City Council
- Fraser Coast Regional Council
- Gladstone Regional Council
- Gold Coast City Council
- Goondiwindi Regional Council
- Gympie Regional Council
- Ipswich City Council
- Lockyer Valley Regional Council
- Logan City Council
- Moreton Bay Regional Council
- Noosa Shire Council
- North Burnett Regional Council
- Redland City Council
- Scenic Rim Regional Council
- Somerset Regional Council
- South Burnett Regional Council
- Southern Downs Regional Council
- Sunshine Coast Regional Council
- Toowoomba Regional Council
Applications close 31 December 2023.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth, 7 – 10 January 2022
To be eligible for assistance your business must be located in one of the defined disaster areas:
- Bundaberg Regional Council
- Fraser Coast Regional Council
- Gympie Regional Council
- North Burnett Regional Council
- South Burnett Regional Council
Applications close 31 December 2023.
Central, Southern and Western Queensland Rainfall and Flooding, 10 November – 3 December 2021
To be eligible for assistance your business must be located in the following defined disaster area:
- Goondiwindi Regional Council
Applications close 31 December 2023.
QRIDA administers financial assistance to disaster affected primary producers, businesses and non-profit organisations under the joint Commonwealth / Queensland Government funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements 2018.
Apply now
Please do not mail original documents as we are unable to return them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Disaster Assistance Loan and an Essential Working Capital Loan?
A Disaster Assistance Loan of up to $250,000 is available to assist primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations who have experienced direct damage as a result of the disaster event. This loan can be utilised to fund repair and reinstatement costs for your business, and to meet normal operating expenses that the business is unable to meet due to the impact of the disaster event (e.g. lease payments, property rates, creditors).
An Essential Working Capital (EWC) Loan of up to $100,000 is available to assist primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations who have not experienced direct damages a result of the disaster event but have experienced a negative impact on their normal business cashflow and are consequently unable to meet normal operating expenses (e.g. lease payments, property rates, wages, creditors). For example, a primary producer, small business and non-profit organisation may be eligible for an EWC Loan if their premises was not physically impacted by the disaster event however suffered a significant loss of income throughout the disaster period. The business may not be able to meet normal operating expenses within its existing credit limits. These requirements over and above your existing credit limits can be met by the EWC loan.
Where can I get assistance with completing the application?
Contact your local Regional Area Manager on 1800 623 946 for assistance with your loan application. Alternatively, your accountant, bank or financial or business advisor may also be able to assist with your application also.
What security is acceptable to support my loan application?
Firstly, QRIDA assesses applications based on the future viability of the business with the assistance provided. Security is the second consideration. Preferably security is available over landed assets, however, security over other business assets may be acceptable.
Can I use my own cashflow budget template with my application?
Yes, the cashflow budget template provided by QRIDA is not mandatory. If you have your own cashflow budget template then you are able to provide this to QRIDA as part of your loan application. However, please note that an itemised monthly cashflow is required for all applications, preferably in a financial year (July to June) format.
Can I claim the same direct damage expenses across more than one disaster grant or loan application?
You are unable to claim the same direct damage expenses via both the Grant and Loan Schemes. However, if the total of your recovery expenditure has exceeded the amount of assistance available via these Schemes, then you can seek loan assistance for the expenses that were not covered by the schemes.
Why does QRIDA need all information listed on the application form in order for my loan to be assessed?
In order to give you the best chance of success, QRIDA needs to understand the historical performance of your business, your current position and your plan moving forward. Without this information, QRIDA would be unable to determine the level of assistance you need and your prospects of returning to a viable business with the assistance provided.
Can I apply for loan assistance prior to my insurance claim being finalised?
Yes, if your insurance claim is being delayed, you can apply for a loan to reinstate your business before your claim is finalised. If any expenses included in your loan are later recovered from insurance, QRIDA will require these amounts be repaid to your loan.
I have an unutilised overdraft, can I apply for the loan and not access the overdraft facility?
All applicants must have utilised their sources of liquid assets and normal credit sources up to normal credit limits, meaning you must utilise your overdraft as part of your overall funding requirements.
I’m a small business owner and primary producer, how often can I apply under this scheme?
Applicants are able to apply for assistance under the scheme in only one of the following capacities:
- Primary producer; or
- Small business owner; or
- Non-profit organisation.
Can I apply for loan assistance to fund a reduction in profit from my small business, primary production enterprise or non-profit organisation?
No, reduced profit is not an eligible purpose under the Disaster Assistance Loan.
Get in touch
Have a question, need some help or would like more information? We're here to help you.
News, events & stories
-
Boosting efficiency and financial viability with a QRIDA Sustainability Loan: How the Clearys built their bull enterprise
What began as a way to help out Nikki Cleary's parents' business, Valera Vale Droughtmasters, has quickly become a well… -
Read QRIDA's Autumn 2022 Prime Focus
Read about the new low interest drought loans that are available for Queensland primary producers as well as how the disaster… -
Disaster recovery grant helps Gympie car wash business get back on the road
What he didn’t expect was how high the flood was going to peak. “Scubas Car Wash was completely submerged by flood waters,…
Related information
Loan features
|
Loan amount |
Maximum of $100,000 |
|
Loan term |
Up to 10 years |
|
Repayments |
If needed, up to two years interest only may be available. |
|
Security |
A loan under the scheme must be secured by a mortgage of land and other assets satisfactory to QRIDA. |
|
Fees |
No establishment fees, no account maintenance fees and no fees for early payout. |
What assistance is available?
Concessional loans are provided to assist you with essential working capital for expenses such as:
- paying salaries or wages
- paying creditors
- paying rent or rates
- buying goods, including for example, fuel essential to carry-on the non-profit activities.
Defined disaster areas
The Minister for Fire and Emergency Services has activated disaster assistance for:
South East Queensland Rainfall and Flooding, 22 February - 5 April 2022
To be eligible for assistance your organisation must be located in one of the defined disaster areas:
- Brisbane City Council
- Fraser Coast Regional Council
- Gladstone Regional Council
- Gold Coast City Council
- Goondiwindi Regional Council
- Gympie Regional Council
- Ipswich City Council
- Lockyer Valley Regional Council
- Logan City Council
- Moreton Bay Regional Council
- Noosa Shire Council
- North Burnett Regional Council
- Redland City Council
- Scenic Rim Regional Council
- Somerset Regional Council
- South Burnett Regional Council
- Southern Downs Regional Council
- Sunshine Coast Regional Council
- Toowoomba Regional Council
Applications close 31 December 2023.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth, 7 – 10 January 2022
To be eligible for assistance your organisation must be located in one of the defined disaster areas:
- Bundaberg Regional Council
- Fraser Coast Regional Council
- Gympie Regional Council
- North Burnett Regional Council
- South Burnett Regional Council
Applications close 31 December 2023.
QRIDA administers financial assistance to disaster affected primary producers, businesses and non-profit organisations under the joint Commonwealth / Queensland Government funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements 2018.
Apply now
Please do not mail original documents as we are unable to return them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Disaster Assistance Loan and an Essential Working Capital Loan?
A Disaster Assistance Loan of up to $250,000 is available to assist primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations who have experienced direct damage as a result of the disaster event. This loan can be utilised to fund repair and reinstatement costs for your business, and to meet normal operating expenses that the business is unable to meet due to the impact of the disaster event (e.g. lease payments, property rates, creditors).
An Essential Working Capital (EWC) Loan of up to $100,000 is available to assist primary producers, small businesses and non-profit organisations who have not experienced direct damages a result of the disaster event but have experienced a negative impact on their normal business cashflow and are consequently unable to meet normal operating expenses (e.g. lease payments, property rates, wages, creditors). For example, a primary producer, small business and non-profit organisation may be eligible for an EWC Loan if their premises was not physically impacted by the disaster event however suffered a significant loss of income throughout the disaster period. The business may not be able to meet normal operating expenses within its existing credit limits. These requirements over and above your existing credit limits can be met by the EWC loan.
Where can I get assistance with completing the application?
Contact your local Regional Area Manager on 1800 623 946 for assistance with your loan application. Alternatively, your accountant, bank or financial or business advisor may also be able to assist with your application also.
What security is acceptable to support my loan application?
Firstly, QRIDA assesses applications based on the future viability of the business with the assistance provided. Security is the second consideration. Preferably security is available over landed assets, however, security over other business assets may be acceptable.
Can I use my own cashflow budget template with my application?
Yes, the cashflow budget template provided by QRIDA is not mandatory. If you have your own cashflow budget template then you are able to provide this to QRIDA as part of your loan application. However, please note that an itemised monthly cashflow is required for all applications, preferably in a financial year (July to June) format.
Can I claim the same direct damage expenses across more than one disaster grant or loan application?
You are unable to claim the same direct damage expenses via both the Grant and Loan Schemes. However, if the total of your recovery expenditure has exceeded the amount of assistance available via these Schemes, then you can seek loan assistance for the expenses that were not covered by the schemes.
Why does QRIDA need all information listed on the application form in order for my loan to be assessed?
In order to give you the best chance of success, QRIDA needs to understand the historical performance of your business, your current position and your plan moving forward. Without this information, QRIDA would be unable to determine the level of assistance you need and your prospects of returning to a viable business with the assistance provided.
I have an un-utilised overdraft, can I apply for the loan and not access the overdraft facility?
All applicants must have utilised their sources of liquid assets and normal credit sources up to normal credit limits, meaning you must utilise your overdraft as part of your overall funding requirements.
Can I apply for loan assistance to fund a reduction in profit from my small business, primary production enterprise or non-profit organisation?
No, reduced profit is not an eligible purpose under the Disaster Assistance Loan.
Get in touch
Have a question, need some help or would like more information? We're here to help you.
News, events & stories
-
Boosting efficiency and financial viability with a QRIDA Sustainability Loan: How the Clearys built their bull enterprise
What began as a way to help out Nikki Cleary's parents' business, Valera Vale Droughtmasters, has quickly become a well… -
Read QRIDA's Autumn 2022 Prime Focus
Read about the new low interest drought loans that are available for Queensland primary producers as well as how the disaster… -
Disaster recovery grant helps Gympie car wash business get back on the road
What he didn’t expect was how high the flood was going to peak. “Scubas Car Wash was completely submerged by flood waters,…
Related information
Last updated
26 May 2022