New support packages available for businesses

A new round of support from the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments will flow to small and medium businesses most affected by the extension of public health restrictions in Melbourne.

The joint package of support will ensure that the current level of support being provided to businesses in Melbourne will continue during this two week extension.

Small Business COVID Hardship Fund

Will help up to 18,000 businesses that have been ineligible for business support programs and have experienced a reduction in revenue of at least 70 per cent.

Businesses that are legally allowed to operate but are restricted in their ability to generate revenue – such as a food store located at a shopping centre or a manufacturer supplying goods for closed venues – will be among those businesses that that could be eligible. Find out more about the fund here.

Business Costs Assistance Program

More than 110,000 businesses in metropolitan Melbourne will automatically receive payments of $5,600 ($2,800 per week) through a $625 million injection.

Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021

Automatic payments of $5,000, $10,000 and $20,000 per week will be made to about 7,000 licensed hospitality premises in metropolitan Melbourne that have previously received grants under the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 or July Extension programs.

COVID-19 Disaster Payments 

Eligible workers across the state who lose hours of work due to the lockdown will be able to access the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment, as will individuals who are sole-trader business owners who lose work and that do not qualify for Victorian Government support programs. Find out more here.

More information about the business support programs is available on the Business Victoria website.