GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS
A range of assistance is available from the government and other organisations to support businesses impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) and current restrictions. If you have any questions about federal and state government support, you can phone Business Victoria 132215.
In response to the recent Lockdowns, the Victorian Government has launched a number of support packages. For details visit www.business.vic.gov.au.
Business Costs Assistance Program
Recipients of the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two or the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two July Extension will be automatically paid a Business Costs Assistance Program Round Five grants of between $1000 to $8400 per week. More information can be found here.
Business Costs Assistance Program Round Four - Construction
One-off grants of $2000 for eligible non-employing construction industry businesses which could not operate between 21 September to 4 October 2021 and up to $8,400 for eligible employing construction industry businesses, based on payroll size. This program will open in mid October.
Licensed Venue Hospitality Top-Up Payments
Top-Up payments for the period from 1 October to 29 October 2021 will range from $5000 to $20,000 per premises depending on the capacity. For the period from 29 October to 13 November 2021, top-up payments will be between $2500 and $15,000 per week. Patron capacity will be as reflected on the liquor licence for the premises in July 2021. More information can be found here. The top-up payments will be made automatically to all recipients of the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 or the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 July Extension.
The Impacted Public Events Support Program Round Two
The Impacted Public Events Support Program Round Two will deliver grants of $25,000 to organisers of Tier 1 and Tier 2 events under the Public Events Framework that are approved or registered to take place between 24 June 2021 and 23 September 2021. This grant closes on 26 October 2021. More information can be found here.
COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Voucher Program
The COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Voucher Program is aimed to support businesses to reopen in a COVIDSafe manner by moving their activities outdoors. It will provide vouchers for $2,000 to support initiatives to offer safe retail, personal services (e.g. hairdressing), recreation and dining options for the Victorian public. This program will remain open till the program application quota is filled. More information can be found here.
Small Business COVID Hardship Fund
One-off grants of up to $20,000 to be paid to small businesses that are not eligible for support under existing programs including businesses legally allowed to operate but restricted in their ability to generate revenue but have previously fallen between the cracks in terms of government support. More information about eligibility for this grant can be found here.
COVID-19 Disaster Payments
Eligible businesses including sole proprietors that do not qualify for Victorian Government support programs because they are not registered for GST are eligible for support through the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment of up to $750. Automatic payments will stop when Victoria reaches 70% double dose vaccination and eligible business would need to reapply. Once vaccination rates reach 80%, weekly payment will be reduced and stop after the second week.
Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme and Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund 3
The Commercial Tenancies Relief Scheme will be providing rent relief to small and medium commercial tenants who experienced at least 30% in turnover due to these COVID-19 restrictions. Landlords will also be assisted with relief in land tax of up to 25% and up to $10,000 in payments per tenancy to those eligible. There is also a freeze on rent increases and evictions for not paying rent which are banned until 15 January 2022. Victorian Small Business Commission is assisting commercial landlords and tenants with free and impartial mediation to help them resolve rent relief disputes in response to the pandemic.
Assistance to help Victorian exporters
The government’s export assistance package aims to help Victorian exporters get their products to market by addressing logistics and supply chain issues caused by the pandemic as well as establishing new trade channels.
The Click for Vic campaign launched by Visit Victoria encourages more Victorians to support local businesses. Find out how you can get your business involved.
OTHER SUPPORT
Free Business Mentoring – Victorian Chamber of Commerce & Industry
The Victorian Government has partnered with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) to deliver a free business mentoring program to help small businesses. Eligible business owners can receive up to four 2-hour mentoring sessions with an experienced professional who will help them make informed decisions about the future of their business.
Financial Assistance for self-isolation or quarantine
The Victorian Government is providing financial assistance to Victorian workers who are self-isolating or quarantining. You may be eligible for a one-off $450 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Isolation Payment while you wait for the results of your COVID-19 test. On the other hand, if you’ve been instructed by the Department of Health and Human Services to self-isolate or quarantine at home because you are either diagnosed with coronavirus (COVID-19) or are a close contact of a confirmed case you may be eligible for a one-off $1500 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Worker Support Payment.
The Australian Government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) website is regularly updated to give you the latest Coronavirus news, updates and advice from government agencies across Australia.
For information related to latest Federal Government grant programs, please visit the Australian Government Grants & Programs webpage.
Free Business Training
Wyndham City provides free business training on a range of topics. To find out about Council’s latest business training offerings, please check here or reach out to the Economic Growth team at business@wyndham.vic.gov.au
If you have any questions please complete this enquiry form or phone 9742 8170.
Keeping your workplace safe
Every business that is open in Victoria must have a COVIDSafe Plan and follow the six COVIDSafe principles to help prevent future outbreaks of coronavirus (COVID-19).
A COVIDSafe Plan template is available to help businesses plan and take action to prevent the introduction of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the workplace.
Guidance and frequently asked questions are available for different sectors.
Businesses can also access a collection of signage, posters and questionnaires to assist in communicating key messages to workers and customers.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) translated information for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds is also available online for businesses and industry. Businesses can also call 13 22 15 and request a free translator.
FURTHER INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
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Wyndham City Council |
For questions about support for businesses in Wyndham |
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Victorian Government |
Information about government support for business |
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Victorian Government |
If you suspect you have Coronavirus phone the hotline. The website includes information about business restrictions. |
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Victorian Small Business Commission |
Help with small business disputes including payment of rent. Free mediation services available. |
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Fair Work Ombudsman |
Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws. Help you understand your rights and responsibilities at work during the Coronavirus outbreak. |
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Victorian Chamber of Commerce & Industry |
Information to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19. They are also offering free business mentoring as part of a Victorian Government support initiative. |
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Free Business Webinars & Events |
The Upskill My Business government site connects you to short courses, online events and resources from the state’s top education providers and industry experts. In addition, organisations such as the Australian Taxation Office and the Melbourne Innovation Centre provide free webinars on a range of business topics. |
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Wellbeing and Mental Health Support for Small Businesses in Victoria |
Through this government initiative, Victorians dealing with the challenges of running a small business can get the mental health support they need to help them navigate the impacts of COVID-19. |
KEEP UP TO DATE
- Check Business Victoria - Coronavirus Business Support
- Check Australian Government’s Coronavirus COVID-19 website
- Subscribe to Wyndham City Council’s Business Matters in Wyndham e-newsletter
- Subscribe to Business Victoria Update e-newsletter
- Join the LinkedIn group Business Matters in Wyndham
- Join the Wyndham Localised online platform
- List your business on the Wyndham Open Businesses webpage
ANY QUESTIONS?
Email the Economic Growth team at Wyndham City business@wyndham.vic.gov.au, submit a Business Enquiry Support Form or phone 9742 8170.