COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Business Support

• The Victorian Government has created a Business Support Package . This includes cash grants for struggling businesses, mental health support for business owners, relief for tourism operators who can no longer welcome Melbourne-based visitors for holidays, and tailored and targeted advice for businesses to adapt, stay afloat and then bounce back on the other side.

• Business Victoria is a great resource for up-to-date information and updates on the current restrictions. It is also providing a range of advice and information for business owners on things like economic stimulus, business continuity, and recovery. Business Victoria also has a hotline to help businesses with COVID-19 questions. You can call them on 13 22 15.

• The Victorian Chamber of Commerce provides a comprehensive list of resources and advice.
• Business Gov is the Federal Government information hub for business support. It contains information on government support including financial assistance, eligibility and timing for government support.
• Jobs Victoria have support for businesses facing retrenchment and workers facing retrenchment.
• To create a Business Continuity Plan or your business the Business Gov website provides a range of resource and information.

• The Victorian Government has announced a Third Round of the Business Support Fund to provide direct financial support to businesses impacted by restrictions in Victoria. Cash grants range from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on the business’ annual payroll. This will support small and medium sized businesses that are most affected by restrictions and is an addition to the first two rounds of Business Support Fund grants.
• The Federal Government is offering support for businesses affected by the current COVID-19 situation, including a economic stimulus package . For more information, please go the the Federal Treasury's Support for Businesses page.
• JobKeeper Subsidy: affected employers will be able to claim a set fortnightly payment per eligible employee until 28 March 2021.

• Small Business Tax Cuts - Small and family businesses will now be paying less tax as a result of legislated tax cuts. Incorporated small and family businesses with a turnover of less than $50 million will see their company tax rate reduced from 27.5% to 26% and unincorporated businesses will also benefit as the rate of the small business income tax offset increases from 8% to 13%.
• The Australian Tax Office is providing several financial relief options for businesses including tax relief and payment deferrals. The ATO are also offering online webinars, see the ATO's webinars here.

• The Australian Banking Association is urging small businesses financially impacted to contact their bank to access assistance on offer which can include deferred loan payments, waiving of fees and restricting loans.

• Contact the Victorian Small Business Commission if you are struggling to pay rent for your business.

Until February 2021, Mitchell Shire Council is ready to assist and support businesses with preparing and submitting grant applications to relevant State and Federal Government bodies. Council can assist by providing advice or review submissions for grants as well as identifying relevant grants to your business. To access this service please email your details to ecodev@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au.

Mitchell Shire Council has waived the cost of permit fees associated with outdoor dining and signage for this financial year.

Council is encouraging all businesses that currently do not have an existing permit for the use of outdoor furniture on footpaths and other outdoor spaces to apply as soon as possible.

Approvals will be granted with expediency to help businesses capitalise upon extra dining space. To apply complete this form and submit to mitchell@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au.

Please note, any business requiring outdoor liquor consumption beyond their 'redline', will be required to apply through Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) and granted approval after Council's permission for this activity.

Council’s Environmental Health Team continues to be available to make site visits or be contacted by phone 5734 6200 or via mitchell@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au
to help with advice.

• The State Government has announced the Regional Tourism Accommodation Support Program. This program supports eligible accommodation providers, via grant payment to cover cancelled bookings made by residents who are subject to stay at home restrictions and are unable to travel due to coronavirus restrictions. The program funds up to $225 per booking, per night to a maximum of $1125 (ex GST).
  

• Visit Victoria and the Victorian State Government are pleased to provide free listing for all tourism business in Victoria on the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW). The function of the ATDW is to support tourism businesses and events with their digital marketing, by connecting them with the audiences of multiple tourism channels, through a single self-managed listing. Additionally, all existing ATDW subscribers will have their current listing extended by 12 months free of charge.

• The Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) is the peak industry body for the tourism and events sector. They are waiving membership fees for 'In the Loop' and' Essentials' membership packages. They will also be providing additional services including training credit to courses provided by the Victorian Chamber.

The list of premises and activities that are required to stop operations are on the Department of Health and Human Services website.

Council’s Environmental Health Team is available to make site visits or be contacted by phone 03 5734 6200 or via mitchell@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au to help with advice on implementing, good hygiene and safe food handling.

Visit the DHHS Preventing Infection webpage for further information.

We are aware that the ability for some businesses and people to pay rates has been significantly diminished because of the impacts of COVID-19. For ratepayers facing financial difficulties, assistance may be available under Council’s Financial Hardship policy.

To find out more on hardship options including to request an extension please visit our rates hardship page or call us on 03 5734 6200 during business hours.

If you are experiencing increased worry and stress during this time, there are a number of support services available:

• Business Victoria Mental Health Support
• Lifeline can be called on 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue can be called via 1300 224 636
• The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has a My Business Help web portal. This portal now has an additional section for businesses struggling with COVID-19. Check out their finance and mental health information for business.

Local businesses and tradespeople are being encouraged to register for possible contract roles across the Puckapunyal Military Area.

• Find our more and register your interest.

The government is seeking manufacturers to help supply protective wear, medical supplies and more. View Tender opportunities and supply applications below.

• Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre
  
• Health Purchasing Victoria
• Industry Capability Network.

The 'Mitchell Business' e-newsletter is sent out regularly to businesses.

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Latest eNewsletters:

• Hospitality COVIDSafe operations - 22 October
• Restrictions relaxed for regional Victoria - 21 October
• Hardship Recovery Fund - are you eligible? 15 October
• Outdoor dining permit applications - 14 September
• Roadmap for businesses - 11 September
• Specialist advice to support businesses - 31 August
• Regional food businesses online offering support - 27 August