Hi all,

I’m sure that you’re aware of these but just in case, two grants have been announced.  There is a further grant coming, announced within a small number of days.

Business Costs Assistance Program Round 2
Info here
Regional Victorian businesses with a turnover under $10m are entitled to claim up to $2500.  This is a broad sector grant, covering retail, hospitality, accom, tourism, events, healthcare, etc.  Metro Melbourne businesses can claim up to $5,000 because they are within a locked-down area for longer.  We have made the point that businesses in our region rely heavily on Melbourne trade, so we should be entitled to the $5,000. However, the good news is that a further grant for regional tourism businesses is coming.  More on this below.

Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021
Info here
Again, there is a 100% disparity between what regional and metro businesses can apply for. Regional businesses in the hospitality sector can apply for up to $3,500. Again, I do not think that metro businesses are twice as impacted as regional, but the forthcoming grant will hopefully offset this (and extend to licensed venues).

Regional Tourism support package – details to come
We are aware that another (state govt) package, designed to support regional tourism businesses impacted by the extended Melbourne lockdown will ‘be announced in the coming days’.  This is welcome news indeed.  We will update you as we know more.

In the meantime, keep pushing ahead, welcome our regional friends, use the QR code system, be kind to one another, and keep smiling.

Cheers

Steve and the team