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For business

The outbreak of Coronavirus is 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. 

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

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

Jobseeker

The most recent support available is the Jobseeker Payment initiative. Businesses impacted by the coronavirus will be able to access a subsidy to continue paying their employees.

As part of a $1.7 billion economic survival package, the Victorian Government has announced $500 million to establish a Business Support Fund to assist small to medium businesses most impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Applications are now open online.

Business Victoria finder

Business Victoria has launched a new finder to help businesses, sole traders, apprentices, trainees, or employees identify support or financial assistance available during the COVID-19 pandemic

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 Assistance Grants

The Business Assistance Grants Program supports local businesses through three funding categories: Business adaption; Revitalising spaces and Business continuity.

Applications are currently open and close Friday 30 October 2020, or such time as the funds are exhausted, whichever is the earlier.

Full details and how to apply can be found at the Business Assistance Grants page.

Business impact survey

We are wanting to understand the ongoing issues faced by businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This data will help us design programs and support packages to meet the changing needs of the business community in the immediate aftermath and into the recovery phase of the pandemic.

You can fill out the survey online. It will take about 5-10 minutes to complete.

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. Please apply via email to business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Webinars

We are running a series of webinars during September including, negotiating rent relief, running a home-based business, applying for grants, moving your business online and business continuity and risk planning. Book online

If you missed our first 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.

The webinars have covered topics such as online networking, managing cashflow, mental health, business planning and more.

Email Rebecca Ganicoche, Business Engagement Officer for more information.

Facebook promotions
We are currently promoting local businesses on our ‘South Morang Farmers and Makers Market’ Facebook page. We aim to let the community know alternative ways to engage your business. Please email Amy Berthelot, South Morang Farmers and Makers Market project officer, if wish to participate.

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;

  • Business name
  • Address, phone number and website or Facebook link
  • Brief description of your business and any special offer

Send these details, with a photo that represents your business to business@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.