The Victorian Government has officially launched a $250 million Circuit-Breaker Business Support Package to assist 90,000 small to medium businesses and sole traders, as a result of the circuit breaker restrictions announced on 27 May 2021 . There are 3 initiatives to support businesses unable to operate due to these necessary public health measures, including financial support for businesses and eligible hospitality venues, as well as targeted support for the events industry.
Who is Eligible for the Circuit-Breaker Business Support Package?
- Restaurants and cafes
- Event suppliers
- Accommodation providers
- Non-essential retailers
Acting Premier, James Merlino, says the support package will “support businesses who have been hardest hit by the circuit-breaker lockdown” and help them to “pay the bills and maintain their workforce as best they can”. With lifelines like JobKeeper no longer available, the Circuit-Breaker Business Support Package provides Aussie business owners with much-needed financial support – so they can continue to do their bit in following circuit-breaker guidelines to keep Victoria safe.
Business Costs Assistance Program
The $190.01 million Business Costs Assistance Program provides $2,500 grants for eligible employing and non-employing businesses in sectors most impacted by the circuit-breaker restrictions. This includes businesses operating in an industry that cannot operate under the circuit-breaker restrictions and which cannot work remotely. The grants will be available for eligible small to medium-sized businesses and sole traders, including restaurants and cafes, event suppliers, accommodation venues and non-essential retailers.
The program will open for applications on Wednesday 2 June 2021 and will remain open for applications for 3 weeks.
Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021
The $40.7 million Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 program provides eligible hospitality venues holding a valid liquor licence and food certificate with a $3,500 grant per premises.
The program will open for applications on Wednesday 2 June 2021 and will remain open for applications for 3 weeks.
Victorian Events Support Package
This package provides $20 million of dedicated funding to supporting operators in the events industry who have incurred losses due to the circuit-breaker restrictions. Further information will be available this coming week, so keep your eyes peeled or reach out to your BlueRock advisor if you require more information.
More information will be available on the Business Victoria website in the coming days. Business owners impacted by the circuit-breaker restrictions are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities and apply for the relevant funding.
