Overview
The Victorian Government has announced a $143-million support package designed to help businesses impacted by the state's recent five-day circuit breaker lockdown. Businesses and sole traders that took a financial loss during the lockdown — including restaurants, hairdressers, accommodation providers and musicians — will all be eligible for support. Florists and confectioners who took a financial hit due to the lockdown coming over Valentine's Day will also be able to apply for financial aid.
Included in the multimillion-dollar package is four separate initiatives. $92 million will be invested in the Business Cost Assistance Program that will offer grants of $2000 for eligible businesses with a payroll of up to $3 million.
$24.9 million will be put back into the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund, an initiative that has been providing financial support to licensed venues impacted by COVID-19 restriction since late 2020. The fund has already provided more than 7500 businesses with over $165 million of financial support.
Accommodation providers who experienced cancelations due to the lockdown are entitled to payments through the Victorian Accommodation Support Program, which is split into two tiers. Those who experienced ten or fewer cancellations over the course of the lockdown are eligible for $2250 per accommodation premise, while that amount will increase to $4500 for businesses that experienced more than ten cancellations.
The state's Regional Travel Voucher Scheme is also returning, with 50,000 new vouchers being issued — this time spanning both Greater Melbourne and regional Victoria. 40,000 of the $200 vouchers will be issued for travel within Greater Melbourne, while 10,000 new vouchers will be available for travel to regional Victoria. Registration for the next allocation of vouchers will open at 10am on Tuesday, March 30, and apply for travel between April 6–May 31. Those who successfully apply for a voucher will be able to receive a $200 reimbursement when they spend over $400 on accommodation, experiences, tour and attractions.
Peninsular Hot Springs Glamping
The Victorian Government has announced a $143 million support package designed to assist businesses impacted by the state's recent circuit breaker lockdown. To find out more, head to the Business Victoria website.