A new jointly funded package from the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments was announced just last week, with additional cash payments for struggling Victorian businesses through the lockdown. However, the National Retail Association recognises the information available and the application process are not as easy to navigate as it should be.
We have gathered the current support packages available for Victorian businesses and also a feedback form below to help retailers voice their experience in applying for these packages. The National Retail Association will be taking your feedback to the Victorian Government in aims to help improve the processes and make it easier for businesses to apply for support packages moving forward.
Current available support
| Support Package | Amount | Opening/Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 Disaster Payments
Eligible workers who lose hours due to the lockdown will be eligible for support through the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment, as will businesses that do not qualify for Victorian Government support programs because they are not registered for GST. |
$200 – $750, depending on dates you were affected and whether or not you currently receive Centrelink payments. | Open from 13 August 2021. |
| Business Costs Assistance Program Round Three
Successful recipients of the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two and the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two July Extension will receive an additional automatic top up of $2800. |
$2,800, automatic payment. | Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two July Extension closes 13 August 2021. |
| Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 July Extension
New payments of $5,000 to $20,000 will be made to more than 8,900 hospitality venues that received support through the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund through the May/June and July lockdowns. Payments will be automatic and graded by venue capacity. |
$5,000 – $20,000. automatic payment. | No application necessary. |
| Alpine Resorts Winter Support Program
An additional $10.6 million for the extension to the Alpine Resorts Winter Support Program was announced, which is a program designed to assist businesses in Victoria’s alpine resorts, Dinner Plain and surrounding towns, who were most impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions between May and August 2021. If you are an eligible business for the Alpine Resorts Winter Support Program, you should receive a phone call from the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions to provide more information on the program and help you through the application process. If you haven’t received this phone call and think you could be eligible for this funding, please contact alpineprograms@ecodev.vic.gov.au. |
Further payments between $5000 (off-mountain) and $20,000 (employing businesses, on mountain). | Closes 20 August 2021 |
| Small Business COVID Hardship Fund
Grants of up to $8,000 to be paid to small businesses that are not eligible for support under existing programs and have experienced a 70 per cent reduction in turnover. There is no current page on the Victorian Business website for this fund, we will be providing updates on our website and social media as soon as eligibility criteria and applications are available. |
Up to $8,000. | To be confirmed. |
| Rent Relief for Commercial Tenants
In addition to the support packages above, businesses that have experienced a loss in turnover of more than 30 per cent during the pandemic are now guaranteed to receive rent reductions, while separate support will be provided to landlords. Tenants and landlords can contact the Victorian Small Business Commission for more information on 13 87 22. |
Contact the Victorian Small Business Commission for more information on 13 87 22. | N/A |