The Victorian Government has launched a new $534 million Business Support Package, designed to help businesses and their employees see through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new package includes:
- The expanded Business Support Fund providing more than 80,000 eligible businesses with a new $5,000 grant to support them through the renewed restrictions. This grant was previously made available to the two postcodes linked to outbreaks. It will now apply to all areas under Stage 3 restrictions
- A $30 million dedicated fund for Victoria’s night-time economy to support the hardest-hit businesses in hospitality
- A $26 million boost to mental health support will ensure Victorians dealing with the compounding challenges of running a small business can get the support they need as they navigate their way through the crisis
- A $10 million business mentoring program, pairing small business owners with experienced professionals who can help them navigate their way through the crisis
- A $40 million capped fund for regional tourism businesses to cover the costs of refunds, as well as marketing campaigns to boost region to region visitation while Melbourne is locked down. Eligible operators will be able to claim up to $225 per night for up to five nights for each and every room cancelled due to the return of Stage 3 restrictions, provided they refund the booking in full
- A $20 million fund to support small businesses in Melbourne’s CBD that are faced with a large and sustained shock to their trading environments.
“This pandemic is hard for so many of our small businesses and that’s why we’re making sure they have the support they need to survive, adapt and keep their employees on – so more Victorians can stay in jobs,” said Minister for Small Business, Jaala Pulford.
While VACC applauds the Andrews Government for its continued efforts to support Victorian small businesses during these difficult times, it is also committed to acting as a voice for large business within the automotive sector. Large businesses make an enormous contribution to the economy. Therefore, the Chamber urges the government to open up support and provide appropriate assistance to these vital enterprises.
The newly announced Business Support Package does not address important issues for franchise dealers, such as motor vehicle duty relief, payroll tax relief, rental relief and land tax credit. VACC urges government to implement meaningful changes for large business operators who are big employers and big tax payers.