Grants still available for regional business

Cash grants for regional businesses most affected by the current lockdown are still available, despite restrictions lifting last week.

Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula and Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford said full payment for the two weeks from September 2-16 – automatic deposits ranging from $5,600 to $40,000 – would go ahead, as had always been intended.

Businesses with an annual payroll of up to $650,000 will receive $5600 – equal to two weekly payments of $2800.

Businesses with a payroll of $650,000-$3 million will get $11,200 (two weekly payments of $5600) and businesses with a wages bill of $3 million-$10 million will receive $16,800 (two weekly payments of $8400).

The grants can be used to pay for costs such as wages, rent, utilities and insurance by businesses including gyms, cafes, hairdressers, nail salons, dance and swim schools, and accommodation, tourism and events businesses.

The government said some 2300 eligible cafes, restaurants, hotels and bars in regional areas will receive automatic payments through the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund. Venues with a capacity of less than 100 people will receive $10,000 for the fortnight, those with a capacity of 100-499 will receive $20,000 while the largest venues will receive $40,000.

The government said it will assess which sectors remain under severely impacted settings before making further announcements on arrangements for the two-week period from 17 September 17.

For full information on available business support grants, go to business.vic.gov.au or call 13 22 15.