Gold Coast coffee destination brewing again with COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan

The Coffee Club at Stockland Burleigh is the go-to coffee destination for many Gold Coast locals but restrictions meant owners Karyn Hjelmstrom and Jason Kenny had to close for five weeks.  

A COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan allowed Karyn and Jason to continue supporting staff and brewing coffees for the community both during COVID-19 restrictions and into the future.  

The loan scheme administered by the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority, 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. 

Karyn said the loan allowed her to pay 10 staff to return to work when they were able to re-open as well as pay bills and rent.  

“We had to close the business in March because we couldn’t afford to stay open but we were able to re-open five weeks later when we received the loan,” she said. 

“Without the loan we would not have been able to re-open as soon as we did.  

“It was such a relief when we were approved, it was the best news ever. 

“For me the hardest thing was putting off staff during that time. We have been able to put 10 back on since we have been able to re-open and give those people their jobs back but we will be able to put more on when restrictions are lifter further. 

“It has been really rewarding to be able to do that.” 

Karyn said plenty of loyal customers were missing their regular coffee spot and The Coffee Club Stockland Burleigh team were looking forward to returning to what they did best.  

“COVID has been the most significant challenge we have faced in running the business,” she said. 

“We are definitely looking forward to having our regulars back. They are like family to Jason and I. A lot of them come twice a day every day so they are the really loyal ones. Many of our customers are regulars.  

“We really appreciate all our staff for bearing with us through this challenging time. They are what makes our business and we really value all our staff and our customers.  

“We really miss having them in store and they miss coming in.” 

Existing COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan clients can find important information about the ongoing management of their loans on the COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan page.

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