On Monday 18 October 2021, Victoria’s Minister for Small Business, Jaala Pulford, announced a $54.5 million outdoor economy package to support businesses as they set up for street trading following the (very exciting and much-anticipated!) easing of restrictions in Victoria this Friday.
The package includes two different programs: the COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Voucher Program and the COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund.
COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Voucher Program
The $14.5 million COVIDSafe outdoor activation voucher program will provide a range of SME businesses with grants of $2,000 in order to support outdoor hospitality and entertainment, including the purchase or hire of outdoor marquees, screens and umbrellas, promoting outdoor services and operations, and purchasing insurance. Businesses must spend at least $2,000 on an outdoor initiative to be eligible for the program.
The following businesses are eligible to receive a COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Voucher:
- Retail stores
- Cafes
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Hairdressers
- Beauty services
- Gyms
- Dance studios
- Community organisations
- Not-for-profits
- Trader associations
COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund
The $40 million COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund will enable Victorian councils to transform local outdoor areas so residents can continue to support businesses on the roadmap out of lockdown.
The fund will provide immediate assistance to businesses by equipping them with the necessary tools they need to operate outdoors. These include:
- Street furniture (including tables, chairs and stools)
- Landscaping
- Marquees
- Planter boxes
- Public art
- Entertainment
What Funding is Available Under the COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund?
There are three different types of funding available to Victorian councils. The amount of funding allocated is determined by the level of business activity. They are as follows:
Metropolitan Councils
Metropolitan councils will receive between $300,000 and $800,000.
Regional Councils
Regional councils will receive between $300,000 and $500,000.
Rural Councils
Rural councils will receive between $100,000 and $250,000.
The City of Melbourne will continue to be supported separately through the $100 million Melbourne City Recovery Fund and the $200 million Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund.
Businesses are encouraged to work with local councils to identify opportunities for activations and events. For more information on the Victorian Government Outdoor Economy Package, and to confirm your eligibility, get in touch with our Melbourne Accountants for a free consultation.
