For business

The Coronavirus pandemic continues causing economic disruption in many sectors including tourism and hospitality, education, entertainment, property, resources, and international supply chains. The below information aims to help City of Whittlesea businesses navigate the latest support available. You can also read more on our business support webpage.

+ Business resources

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.

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

+ Government support for business

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.

+ 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.

+ Food and hospitality

Encouraging local residents to support local businesses is crucial than ever before. If your food or hospitality business is still trading and you've implemented new ways of working, i.e.; home delivery, then let us know.

We are listing our food and hospitality businesses on Council's Whittlesea Tourism website. To have your businesses included, tell us your;