Coronavirus: Small Business COVID Hardship Fund reminder

19 August 2021

Members are reminded that the Small Business COVID Hardship Fund will only be open for applications until Friday, 10 September 11:59pm 2021, or funds are exhausted, whichever is earlier.

As previously advised in a member bulletin, the Victorian Government program aims to assist small to medium businesses whose operations have been severely impacted by the COVID restrictions that have been in place between 27 May 2021 and August 2021. This includes at least a 70 percent reduction in turnover, as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions, and ineligibility for other key COVID-19 Victorian Government business grant programs.

The program is intended to support those businesses that, whilst legally allowed to operate, have been restricted in their ability to generate income for reasons including lost custom due to restrictions affecting foot traffic.

The reduction in turnover evidence must be attested to by a qualified accountant (Qualified Agent), who must include a signed copy of the Letter from the Qualified Agent. However, where a business is unable to engage a Qualified Agent to support their application, they can register their interest to apply by submitting this form.

Members are encouraged to access the Business Victoria website for further information.

Useful links
Member bulletin: Details of Small Business COVID Hardship Fund Guidelines Released
Business Victoria: Small Business COVID Hardship Fund