A Brisbane fashion business is stitching plans for their future while in COVID-19 isolation, among the first in the state to access a Queensland Government COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan.

Orientique Australia owner Tom Tindall made a commitment to his 16 Brisbane-based staff he would continue supporting them through COVID-19, a commitment he has been able to keep.

Mr Tindall was approved for a Queensland Government COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan within days of application and said he was able to use the assistance to sure up the future of his business and maintain his staff.

The loan scheme administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA), provides finance of up to $250,000 for businesses and non-profit organisations impacted by COVID-19 to assist with carry-on expenses such as employee wages, rent and rates and other expenditure.

“I made a commitment to my team that they will be paid and not have any pressure from a wage point of view. Wages will continue to be paid each fortnight through our closure. This is a time to look after your families and stay safe,” Mr Tindall said.

“These 16 people all have children, families, cars and mortgages so this does make a difference. We’ve got the best team in the world, they’re the best at what they do.

“From an income point of view, they are protected and that brings more relief than you can measure. When they come back they are going to have so much energy and commitment to get things back to normal, we will come back bigger and stronger.

“I had two goals; one to be in business at the end of all this and two to make sure my people were not affected.”

Now he’s considering business life beyond COVID-19, even branching into maternity wear and designer clothes for health care workers.

“Now I’m working out how to shape my business when it comes back instead of how I am going to pay staff; the benefits are enormous,” he said.

“Even when we do come out the other side, things are going to be different and we need to consider what our business will look like to suit that.”

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Brisbane business stitching plans for the future with COVID-19 Loan

Owner of Brisbane fashion business Orientique and

COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan recipient,

Tom Tindall.

“The loan has given me a six month lifeline, it has made it possible that my guys don’t suffer and has given me the ability to have funds to continue with new ranges”Mr Tindall said his business supplied to other small business, who had closed their doors in the past weeks.

“COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on my business. We supply to small business and we feel the pain they feel,” he said.

“The loan has given me a six month lifeline, it has made it possible that my guys don’t suffer and has given me the ability to have funds to continue with new ranges,” he said.

“It made me realise someone is out there to support us and it’s extremely reassuring, it makes me proud. The loan has given me relief for my business and it was faster than I expected, very efficient.

“It’s covered me. It’s given me the ability to support my team for six months and I think that’s fantastic. It puts safety in my mind.”

He said the application process was straight forward.

“I found it fairly simple, I was able to complete the application in 30 to 40 minutes. It didn’t matter how long it took, it was worth it to get that kind of support. I received a phone call form an officer to say it was approved and that was a nice human touch, it was unexpected.”

For more information see www.qrida.qld.gov.au/covid19jobssupportloans or Freecall 1800 623 946.

QRIDA is delivering the $1 billion COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan Scheme on behalf of the Queensland Government.

Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority