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Support for business

We have a number of initiatives being rolled-out such as additional mentoring sessions and other programs that will support local businesses, which are also eligible to apply for relief under our COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy if they are unable to pay rates or other fees and charges on time.

NEW - QR check-in requirements

QR code check in is now mandatory in ALL business settings, including all retail.

You must switch to the Victorian Government QR Service - Victorian Government QR Code Service. 

For instructions on how to switch, read register to use the Victorian Government QR Code Service.

About the Victorian Government QR Code Service https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/about-victorian-government-qr-code-service

There is now a Kiosk check-in option available to help staff record a visitor's details on the venue's device. You can set up a kiosk service online (see item 10 on the QR code website)

Find information online about QR codes in various languages.

Victorian Government financial supports

The Victorian Government has announced a $460M business support package for small to medium businesses and sole traders affected by this current circuit breaker lockdown.
The Victorian Government package includes:
  • Business Costs Assistance Program with grants of up to $5000 for eligible businesses.
  • Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund with eligible businesses to receive a $7000 grant per premises.
  • Event industry support - more details to come.
Businesses can register their interest in the Business Costs Assistance Program at www.business.vic.gov.au, so they can be notified when applications open this week.
Operators eligible for the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund payment will be contacted directly by email in coming days.

More information about the Victorian Government's Circuit Breaker Business Support Package is available online: 

https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/circuit-breaker-business-support-package 
More information about financial support for businesses: 
https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/financial-support-for-businesses-and-workers 
Business Grants and Support
https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/business-grants-and-support 
Information about free financial counselling for businesses
https://www.partnersinwellbeing.org.au/small-business-support

Australian Government support for workers

Australians who have had their hours of work and income significantly affected due to state lockdowns, will be eligible for a temporary COVID Disaster Payment.

The rapid support will be paid weekly to those workers who reside or work in a Commonwealth declared hotspot and are therefore unable to attend work and earn an income as a result of state-imposed health restrictions, which last for greater than one week.

Eligible recipients will receive up to $500 per week for losing 20 hours or more of work, and $325 per week for losing under 20 hours. They must not have liquid assets of more than $10,000.

For full details, read the Prime Minister's statement.

 

COVIDSafe settings

Victoria has moved to eased circuit breaker restrictions at midnight 10 June.

More businesses are now allowed to open.

Read the Acting Premier's Statement.

How to create a COVIDSafe workplace

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/creating-a-covidsafe-workplace  

Six principles of COVIDSafe workplaces

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/six-principles-covidsafe-workplaces

COVID-safe businesses resources

Businesses need to operate in line with current restrictions

Businesses need a COVID safe plan 

Information in community languages on how to use QR codes

Free training is also available for businesses on infection control 

Support & info is available for businesses to clean properly 

Financial and other support is available

Signs, posters and templates for your workplace.

COVID-19 resources in other languages

COVID-19 information for businesses in other languages.

COVID-19 business impacts study

We want to know how local businesses are faring as the economy starts its COVID-19 recovery.

Fill out our short survey to tell us the ongoing impacts on your business.

We can provide support to help you fill out the survey or information in languages other than English.

Fill out the survey before 30 June 2021 to go into the draw for a prize:

  • 2 x Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry ‘Networker’ memberships – valued $350 each
  • 1 x space in the upcoming Business Development Program  - valued $750

Fill out the survey

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.

Contact Economic Development on 9217 2278 or email business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

 

What's the future of working spaces? Tell us your thoughts.

We're exploring the potential for low-cost shared office workspace in the City of Whittlesea and want to know your thoughts.

With our world of work rapidly changing, we want to hear what our community thinks about the idea of working from shared local workspaces.

We're gathering information about how people work. Increasingly home and co-working spaces have become more popular, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, and we want to know more.
Council is exploring the potential for a low-cost shared office workspace located in the future Mernda Town Centre. This may be co-located with other services such as a library, training centre, cafe, and health services. We want to know what would make such a centre work for you and why.
Contact us on 9217 2278 or email business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au for more information.

Fill out the survey

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.

Watch a Visual Marketing webinar online.

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 25 June 2021 or when places are exhausted, whichever is sooner.

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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.

  • Ensure physical distancing
  • Wear a face mask
  • Practise good hygiene
  • Keep records and act quickly
  • Avoid interactions in enclosed spaces
  • Create workforce bubbles

 

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