As movement is increasingly restricted across Australia to control the spread of COVID-19, the financial pressure on small businesses is intensifying.

Many of the 38,000 small businesses operating in Tasmania have either been forced to close or have been significantly impacted.

The State Government has responded by announcing it will spend $1 billion on a range of measures to help those affected.

I'm a business owner and need cash now, how do I get it?

It can be difficult for small businesses to find out exactly what help is available because the Government's Business Tasmania team is reporting long phone-call wait times.

The good news is: you can apply now for an immediate cash grant of $2,500 online.

There are number of measure to assist businesses, as customers are told to stay away. ( ABC News: Brian Tegg )

Businesses eligible to apply for this emergency relief funding include those working in the seafood, tourism, hospitality, retail, arts, entertainment and fitness industries.

To be eligible your business must employ fewer than 20 full-time equivalent staff.

The Small Business Minister, Sarah Courtney, said she has told her department to get the money to eligible businesses as soon as possible.

"We've already received 829 applications and 500 of those were approved overnight," she said.

Small businesses can apply for a grant on the Business Tasmania website.

The Government has also flagged small businesses that have experienced severe financial hardship will be able to apply for $15,000 grants in the near future, in addition to receiving the initial emergency relief funding.

What other financial support is available for businesses?

You can also access financial support in the form of tax relief in the following areas:

Power and electricity bills : Eligible businesses won't have to pay their first quarterly electricity and water bills issued on or after April 1. Electricity prices will also be capped and some fees and charges will be frozen

: Eligible businesses won't have to pay their first quarterly electricity and water bills issued on or after April 1. Electricity prices will also be capped and some fees and charges will be frozen Payroll tax and land tax relief : Small business owners will not have to pay any payroll tax or land tax for the entire 2019-2020 financial year

: Small business owners will not have to pay any payroll tax or land tax for the entire 2019-2020 financial year Vehicle registration tax relief will also be provided

will also be provided Loan support: Eligible businesses can access interest-free loans worth up to $250,000 to buy equipment or make changes to ensure their continuity during this difficult period

It is not known how long the shutdown will last. ( ABC News: Brian Tegg )

There are also a range of services for business owners who are feeling overwhelmed and are looking for expert advice on how to survive coronavirus.

There's funding for a Digital Ready for Business Program where people can go for advice about the best way to move their business online

There's funding for a Digital Ready for Business Program where people can go for advice about the best way to move their business online The Government's business support arm, Business Tasmania, has also received more funding to give individual small businesses advice about steps they can take to keep their business going

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Do these measures go far enough?

Tasmanian retail marketing expert Louise Grimmer has labelled the stimulus measures a good start overall, but thinks more emergency funding relief is required.

"Small business is the backbone of our economy and our communities," the University of Tasmania senior lecturer said.

"If they go under, we are all going to suffer in terms of employment and access to vital goods and services, so they require extensive government support to get through this."

Dr Grimmer added further measures should be tailored, because a one-size-fits-all approach will not work, particularly for businesses with fewer than five employees.

She also warned businesses not to take on loans that may be difficult to pay back.

"Regardless of any generous terms offered it won't be feasible in the long term for many businesses to service those loans on top of existing loans," Dr Grimmer said.

The coronavirus crisis has plunged markets around the world into uncertainty. ( Pixabay )

I'm not a business owner, but still affected. What help do I get?

The Government said it recognised all Tasmanians, in some way or another, were feeling the impact of coronavirus.

It is providing relief in many areas including:

Refunding public school levies to parents

Refunding public school levies to parents Capping electricity prices and freezing water bills for next financial year

Capping electricity prices and freezing water bills for next financial year Providing rent relief for social housing tenants

Providing rent relief for social housing tenants Allocating extra money to the No Interest Loan Scheme to help low income families buy essential household items

Allocating extra money to the No Interest Loan Scheme to help low income families buy essential household items It is also spending millions of dollars to ensure Tasmania's most vulnerable are supported

This money will be spent on initiatives such as providing additional emergency accommodation, meals for the elderly and the vulnerable, mobilising volunteers, addressing family violence and supporting vulnerable children.

This includes funding for a dedicated phone number, 1800 332 388.

Tasmanians can call this number if they feel they are not coping and need mental health advice.