Since then, sales have only gotten worse for the Harry Potter-themed retail and event business, which also has a store in Sydney.

The NSW JobSaver payment has added some cash flow to the business, but ruled it out of receiving the ACT's COVID-19 business support grants.

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The financial support tap for businesses and individuals who have lost income in the COVID-19 lockdown is set to be turned off on October 15, but retailers won't be able to welcome customers into stores until October 29.

Even then, non-essential retail will only be allowed to have one person per four square metres in shops.

Mr Milton is not sure if the festive season spending will be enough to pull through.

"Running your own business is never simple and of course there are impacts on us as a business, us as a family, it goes into so many different areas," Mr Milton said.

"Christmas is an amazing opportunity and one that will be impacted by our ability to fund stock for Christmas."

Retail turnover fell by 19.9 per cent in August, greater than the 14.7 per cent fall during the April 2020 lockdown.

Retail turnover is at the lowest level since the Alpha COVID-19 variant hit the territory.

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The ACT 2021-22 budget suggests the sharp contraction in household consumption in the September quarter will quickly rebound in the December quarter as Canberrans emerge from lockdown, ready to travel and spend over summer.

The budget doesn't contain any new business support measures.

Businesses that qualified for the first round of COVID-19 business support grants will be eligible for the extension payment of $10,000 for employing businesses and $3,750 for non-employing businesses per two-week period. Top up payments of up to $60,000 are available for larger businesses.

One-off grants of $5000 to $25,000 for tourism, accommodation, hospitality, events and fitness industries will be jointly funded by the Commonwealth.

Commercial rates rebates will be available for landlords who reduce rents for business tenants who have been significantly impacted by COVID.

Fees will be waived for liquor permits and construction licences while tourism businesses can have vehicle and water charges reimbursed.

Small businesses can apply for up to $10,000 to offset government and utility fees and charges under the small business hardship fund.

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Retailers will need a bumper Christmas sales season to get their heads above water, but with the Delta variant expected to be circulating in the community it is uncertain whether customers will have the confidence to spend on goods and services in person.

Mr Milton was concerned about what would happen when financial supports drop off but businesses still couldn't operate at full capacity under the COVID restrictions.

"We want to take care of our staff and our customers," he said.

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