The launch of the Victorian Government’s Circuit Breaker Business Support Package was welcomed news for small and medium-sized businesses impacted by the lockdown. Within a few days of launching, the package has been further expanded. Following the circuit breaker restrictions announced on 27 May, the Victorian Government launched the $250.7 million Circuit Breaker Business Support Package. With JobKeeper no longer available, this package will provide vital support to businesses unable to operate due to the lockdown.
The package includes:
- a $190.01 million second round of the Business Costs Assistance Program
- a $40.7 million new round of the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund
- $20 million in targeted support for the events industry.
As of 2 June, following a seven-day extension of the lockdown, the Victorian Government announced it would be building on the original package. There has been a new allocation of up to $230.7 million which has increased the total support package to $460 million.
Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two
The Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two provides grants for eligible employing and non-employing businesses in sectors most impacted, such as those who are in an industry which can’t operate while under the circuit breaker restrictions and can’t work remotely.
The grants for eligible businesses located in metro Melbourne are doubled from $2,500 to $5,000.
Applications open 3 June, and will remain open for three weeks. More information will be made available on the Business Victoria website.
Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021
The Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 program will provide grants of $3,500 or $7,000 per premise to businesses that hold an eligible liquor licence and food certificate.
Applications open 3 June and will remain open for three weeks. Business Victoria have advised that eligible liquor licensees under the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund payment will be emailed directly by Business Victoria on 3 June with a link to their grant application. Visit their website for more.
Victorian Events Support Package
The $20 million Victorian Events Support Package is dedicated to supporting operators in the events industry who have incurred losses due to the lockdown.
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