Roadmap financial support plan announced
The Commonwealth and State Government have today announced a joint funding plan to assist businesses through the next six weeks of the roadmap.
This round of funding will support businesses most affected by restrictions as Victoria reaches the 70%, then 80% fully vaccinated thresholds, giving our industry certainty that support will continue where most needed. Read the statement from The Premier here.
Here’s what you need to know;
Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund
- Licensed hospitality businesses that have previously received grants under the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund or July Extension programs will receive further automatic payments in October.
- Weekly payment amounts are stepped according to premises capacity: $5,000 for a capacity of up to 99 patrons or where patron capacity is not specified, $10,000 for a capacity of 100 to 499 patrons, and $20,000 for a capacity of 500 or more.
- Between 70% and 80% double dose, payments for licensed premises in metropolitan Melbourne will be reduced by 25%, and in regional Victoria, by 50% as the economy continues to progress to greater levels of freedom.
- Regional Victoria is forecast to reach Phase B, 70% of 16+ fully vaccinated on 26 October where we will see further ease of restrictions. Download the Regional Roadmap here.
Business Costs Assistance Program Round Five
- Under this program, automatic payments will be made for eligible businesses to receive two fortnightly payments between 1-29 October on a rising scale.
- Eligible non-employing businesses will receive $1,000 per week, increasing to $2,800 a week for an annual payroll of up to $650,000, $5,600 a week for a payroll of $650,000 – $3 million and $8,400 a week for a payroll of $3 million – $10 million.
- Businesses that remain closed or severely restricted between 70 and 80 per cent double dose will receive an automatic payment for the period from 29 October to 13 November.
- Eligibility will be determined via ANZSIC codes (Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification). The complete list of ANZSIC codes will be updated on the Business Victoria website tomorrow.
- Businesses that have previously received or been approved for a Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two or July Extension grant will be eligible for these payments.
Small Business COVID Hardship Fund
- The Fund supports businesses that have suffered significant losses due to the pandemic, including businesses legally allowed to operate but restricted in their ability to generate revenue, but have previously fallen between the cracks in terms of government support.
- The fund will provide eligible businesses with one-off grants of $20,000.
For more information and full details on available business support grants, go to business.vic.gov.au or the Business Victoria hotline is available on 13 22 15.
COVID-19 vaccine rates in Victoria
We’ll update you each week with the vaccine rates, so we can celebrate each milestone and step forward. COVID-19 vaccine rates from Victoria Data, last updated Tuesday 19 October.
First dose: 89.4%
Second dose: 67.2%
See the Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan here.
COVID-19 Useful Links
- Information for industry and workers required to be vaccinated. Scroll to ‘What information should be recorded by employers?” there’s a useful template.
- Regional Victoria Roadmap Summary of proposed restriction levels – Regional Victoria.
- Current restrictions – Find information our current restrictions.
- COVID Safe compliance tools, resources and information for your business.
- Current business support Tip: The FAQ section for each grant is really helpful.
- Victorian COVID-19 Data – Daily data updates on COVID-19.
- Authorised provider and authorised worker permit.
- Booking a vaccination.
- Current exposure sites.
- Mental health resources. Specific for: Small business owners, families, media and carers to help maintain wellbeing.