Support for business

QR check-in system for businesses

The Victorian Government announced the QR Code Service which can be used by businesses and venues to keep records of visitors to help us stay safe and stay open. Businesses or venues with multiple outlets or spaces can register for multiple QR codes. Victorian businesses and venues can now go to coronavirus.vic.gov.au/qrcode to register and be sent their unique QR code to display for visitors to scan and check-in.

COVID-safe businesses

Every business owner in Victoria must have a COVIDSafe Plan in place and ensure they understand their responsibilities to keep workers and customers safe.
Every Victorian business that is open must follow the COVID-Safe Principles to help prevent future outbreaks of coronavirus (COVID-19).
A COVIDSafe Plan template is available to help businesses plan and take action to prevent the introduction of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the workplace.
New guidance, which includes Industry Restart Guidelines and Industry Restriction Levels, have been developed for some sectors to help them plan for a safe reopening.
Businesses can also access a collection of signage, posters and questionnaires to assist in communicating key messages to workers and customers.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) translated information for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds is also available online for businesses and industry.
Victorian Government Authorised Officers are closely monitoring and inspecting businesses to ensure they are following the six COVIDSafe principles. There are significant penalties, including fines and prohibition notices, for businesses that fail to comply.
We must do everything we can to keep our communities safe and prevent unexpected cases of coronavirus (COVID-19).
To learn more about these new requirements and how to make your workplace COVIDSafe, please visit the coronavirus website.

Vacant to Vibrant

The Vacant to Vibrant program aims to address retail vacancy issues across the municipality and its impacts on the broader retail precinct. Vacant shops create a negative perception of retail centres in the eyes of the community, shoppers and business owners.

The Vacant to Vibrant program proposes to take empty retail space and offer it to local start-ups, social enterprises and artists, with affordable, short-term commercial leases.

Business resources

Visit these websites for more information on the Coronavirus and your business:

Business Victoria - call the dedicated business hotline on 13 22 15.

Business Australia (information on support for business)

The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Worksafe Victoria

Information for exporters

Workplace entitlements

Food standards

Australian Retailers Association

Victorian Small Business Commission

Council support for business

Business support service

Council’s Business Engagement Officer can help connect businesses with a variety of support available from Local, State and Federal Government and across industry. Call 9217 2278 or email business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Mentoring

Free mentoring sessions will be provided by the Small Business Mentoring Service and Box Hill Business Enterprise Centre.

Click here to book your place.

For further information visit our events page, or email business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Webinars

If you missed our recent webinar series, or would like to learn more about gaining new skills or thinking for your business, you can view all the recordings on Council's YouTube channel. Recorded webinars have covered topics such as; online networking, managing cashflow, mental health, business planning, negotiating rent relief, running a home-based business, applying for grants, moving your business online, business continuity and risk planning.

Government support for business

Ensure you keep up-to-date with the Commonwealth's Support for business in Australia and the State Government's Coronavirus business support websites.

Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package

The Victorian Government's Outdoor Eating and Entertainment package will provide grants of up to $5000 to help eligible hospitality businesses adapt their operations to outdoor dining.

For more information on eligibility and the application process visit Business Victoria's website.

Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund

The Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund program will provide grants of up to $30,000 for eligible liquor licensees with hospitality venues impacted by the restrictions put in place to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Eligible licensees will be invited to apply through their Liquor Portal accounts.

For more information on eligibility and the application process, including Liquor Portal accounts, visit Business Victoria Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund.

Sole Trader Support Fund

The Sole Trader Support Fund provides grants of $3,000 to eligible non-employing sole traders who are impacted by the restrictions in Victoria’s roadmap for reopening.

Details on eligibility and applications are available at Business Victoria Sole Trader Support Fund.

Third Round of the Business Support Fund

The third round of the Business Support Fund will provide grants of up to $20,000 to eligible businesses, ensuring they continue to receive the support they need to make it through restricted trading.

For more information on eligibility and applications visit Business Victoria Business Support Fund.

Free training program

The Victorian Government has launched a new platform Upskill My Business which provides businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic with free access to online short courses and training events.

Call Business Victoria on 13 22 15 or visit the Upskill my Business website.

Business Development Program

Our Business Development Program will provide a comprehensive mentoring support package for to up to 40 successful business applicants. Working closely with a dedicated mentor from the Small Business Mentoring Service over a three-month period, the business will receive assessment, mentoring, support, tools and guidance specific to their situation.

The program will provide businesses with professional advice and education on how they can improve outcomes or grow with a clear plan or strategy.

Businesses interested in participating can submit their application by completing the form below and emailing it to business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Applications close 31 March 2021 or when places are exhausted, whichever is sooner.

COVID-19 Hardship Policy

Our COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy provides relief to residents and businesses in the City of Whittlesea.

You can apply online or contact our Business support team on 9217 2278 or email business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Information for cleaners

Cleaners have an important role to play in reducing the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission in our community. Cleaners can help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) by adopting measures that include cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, counters, phones, handrails, light switches, taps, toilets and ticket machines. As more businesses open and normal operations resume, there will be an increased demand for cleaning services, including house cleaning.

The Victorian Government has released factsheets about cleaning in a COVID-safe way:

All cleaning businesses, including self-employed house cleaners, must have a COVIDSafe Plan and follow the six COVIDSafe principles to help prevent future outbreaks.