Victorian businesses set to receive Federal and State funded COVID lockdown support in a scheme worth $400 million
Victorian businesses have been offered a series of grants as part of a $400 million support package jointly funded by the Commonwealth and state government.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Victorian businesses had borne the brunt of the cost of COVID-19 lockdowns and would continue to be supported.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the package was all about protecting jobs.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s on offer.
Capacity limit grants
There are grants of $5,000 to about 30,000 businesses still affected by capacity limits, such as gyms, cafes, restaurants, catering services, and hairdressers.
CBD businesses are eligible for an additional $2,000 in recognition of the reduced foot traffic due to office density limits.
These first two lots of grants are available for businesses that received or were eligible for the previous Business Cost Assistance Program.
The Business Continuity Fund is worth $156 million.
Grants for pubs
Grants of up to $20,000 will be made available for licensed venues, in recognition of the fact that their business models depend on more dining in and have higher operating costs.
The $2,000 top-up for CBD businesses also applies here.
To receive this, businesses must have received or been eligible for the previous Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021.
Rent relief
A total of $80 million will be provided by the state government to support landlords that offer rent relief to their tenants.
The Commercial Tenancies Relief Scheme will be reinstated to provide rent relief to commercial tenants, while separate support will be provided to landlords who help their tenants.
The scheme will be available to businesses with an annual turnover of less than $50 million who have had a decline in turnover of at least 30 per cent due to coronavirus.
Small businesses that have missed out
If you’re a small business that has missed out on existing business support funds, there will be an $85 million pool of money set aside.
You will need to have a payroll of up to $10 million and have experienced a 70 per cent or greater reduction in revenue to be eligible for grants of up to $5,000.
Melbourne CBD businesses are entitled to an extra $2,000 top up due to the loss of foot traffic.
Support for alpine businesses
With the crucial winter season again cruelled by an outbreak, $9.8 million has been set aside to deliver grants between $5,000 and $20,000 to 430 alpine-based businesses.
The funding also includes $5 million to support operators and management boards.
If you believe you are eligible for any of these disaster relief grants and need assistance in applying please let us know. As this announcement is less than 24 hours old, it may take some time for the grant applications to appear on the Business Victoria website.
