After a successful lockdown, Victoria is back up and running. However, business support still exists for businesses and owners in need. Here's everything you need to know:
On 21 July, the Victorian Government announced an injection of $282.5 million meaning 90,000 businesses and sole traders will now share in up to $484.3 million in support for 12 days of current vital public health action.
This payment provides additional support to eligible small to medium businesses in sectors affected by the current restrictions in metropolitan and regional Victoria.
It is in addition to the 16 July 2021 Top-Up Payments.
The additional payment amount to an eligible business is:
For further information about the 21 July 2021 Top-Up Payment read the frequently asked questions (FAQs).
On 16 July a July 2021 Top-Up Payment was announced. Successful recipients of the Business Cost Assistance Program Round Two and successful recipients of the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021, who are impacted by the current restrictions in metropolitan and regional Victoria will receive additional funding.
On 9 June 2021, the Victorian government announced an additional top-up payment for Round Two of the Business Costs Assistance Program. Eligible Melbourne businesses closed due to extended restrictions can receive a further $2,000, making the total amount available $7,000.
A Tourism Supplement will allow eligible tourism businesses – accommodation, attractions and tourism operators to receive a total grant amount of $7,000 as part of the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two.
On 3 June 2021, the Federal Government announced a temporary COVID-19 Disaster Payment scheme to help support any state or territory that has been forced into lockdown. The scheme will commence with Victoria and provide financial assistance to workers who are currently unable to earn an income.
Payment amounts:
Workers need to have used up previous pandemic entitlements and all paid leave with the exception of annual leave. The payment can be claimed from 8 June, 2021. For full details and eligibility refer to COVID-19 Disaster Payment.
On 27 May 2021, the Victorian government announced the $250 million Circuit Breaker Business Support Package to help support SMEs and sole traders – including restaurants and cafes, event suppliers, accommodation venues and non-essential retailers. A new allocation of up to $209 million has been announced on 2 June with the total support package now $460 million.
The packages for eligible businesses include:
Cleaning, signage, record keeping and other COVID-Safe requirements continue to apply. Remember, it is mandatory for customer-facing businesses that require checking-in to use the free Victorian Government QR Code Service and have a COVIDSafe plan.
Read more about the COVIDSafe Settings for metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria or stay up-to-date with the changes for different industries / sectors from 11:59pm on Thursday 10 June.