COVID-19 - Government Support for Businesses

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Overview

Looking for government assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic?

These pages will give you information and links to current assistance available to the business community.

If you would like any additional information please contact the Colac Otway Shire Economic Development and Tourism Team by email or call 5232 9400.  We’ll answer your questions or connect you with someone who can.

Victorian Government

Business Victoria hotline: 132 215

The Small Business Digital Adaption Program  provides $1200 rebates so small businesses can access a range of digital business tools.

A Business Support Package including support for hospitality businesses, mental health support, business mentoring, capped funding for regional tourism to cover the cost of refunds and support for businesses under stage 3 restrictions

A Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme, including a free mediation service, to alleviate financial hardship faced by tenants and landlords as a result of coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19) business support and financial assistance finder to help find assistance and check eligibility.  This finder will ask you a series of questions to help you find the assistance available to you based on your circumstances

A Let’s Stay Connected Fund provides grants of between $5,000 and $200,000 for innovative community-based initiatives to help communities to stay connected during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and beyond.  The fund can potentially help community groups adapt the way they deliver programs and events, including through online forums

Tax Relief for Landlords and Businesses - The Victorian Government has announced a range of tax relief measures - land tax relief, payroll tax relief, liquor licence fee relief and motor vehicle duty relief - in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus information for Licensees, including waiving of Liquor Licence Fees 

Small Business interest free loans 

Australian Government

The Australian Government has announced a number of measures available to small and medium businesses, sole traders and households under its $189 billion economic support package.

Business support line: 13 28 46

  • Australian Government support for business provides information and resources concerning the Jobkeeper Payment Scheme, financial assistance for businesses affected by coronavirus and information about grants, services and supports from across government for businesses
  • The Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme - The Government will provide a guarantee of 50 per cent to small and medium enterprise (SME) lenders for new unsecured loans to be used for working capital. 
  • Coronavirus information and support for business provides information about the JobTrainer skills package, restrictions on services in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, relief for commercial tenants, support for sole traders and much more

 Other Resources and Support

  • Upskill My Business to give businesses affected by coronavirus pandemic free access to top online short courses and training events
  • Safe Work Australia resources to download and display in the workplace including checklists, infographics, fact sheets for industry and posters on hygiene, hand washing and physical distancing.
  • Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre are calling for expressions of interest from Australian-based manufacturers and individuals to assist with supply of goods, services and knowledge. 
  • Australian Banking Association - for information on how Australian banks are supporting small businesses.
  • Beyond Blue - for wellbeing advice to help you look after your (and your employees') mental health.
  • Fair Work Ombudsman - for updates and answers to frequently asked questions about coronavirus and Australian workplace laws, including workplace entitlement and obligations.

Free webinars

Free webinars are available to help you consider different ways of approaching your business.

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