Business support during Coronavirus

Corona-lady-on-mobile.jpeg

Small businesses can access a range of COVID-19 support packages, which are available from the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments.

To stay up to date about available support, you can find information about what support is available and register for email updates via the Victorian Government small business website business.vic.gov.au.

You can find support from the Commonwealth Government here. 

We'd also encourage you to stay in contact with your accountant or business advisor to ensure you do not overlook support that may be available to you

COUNCIL SERVICES 
Council’s Business Support Officer, Melissa Dimond (Mob 0407 352 353) or Manager Economic Development and Tourism, Ray Davies (mob 0434 668 359), are also available for your assistance.

GRANTS & PROGRAM FINDER
Find grants, funding and support programs from across government to help your business grow and succeed. If you click on  Grants & Programs finder | business.gov.au you will learn if you are eligible to apply for a grant or program, and if successful, what you can receive.

RURAL FINANCIAL COUNSELLING SERVICE (FREE SERVICE)
The Rural Financial Counselling Service can also provide confidential and professional support to access government assistance packages. Their services are free of charge and they can be contacted on 1300 735 578 or atwww.wswrcs.com.au.

PARTNERS IN WELLBEING HELPLINE (FREE SERVICE)
The Partners in Wellbeing helpline is now available on weekends and weekdays, so small business owners who feel stressed and anxious can get free, confidential support when they need it. The helpline also provides small business owners with advice on managing debt and financial issues. Contact the Partners in Wellbeing team on 1300 375 330 for assistance between 9am and 10pm on weekdays, and 9am to 5pm on weekends. For more information, go here.

OHS ESSENTIALS PROGRAM (FREE SERVICE)
Need workplace safety advice for your small business? WorkSafe’s free OHS Essentials program offers small businesses confidential, personalised and expert advice in improving workplace safety. This free program helps set small businesses up for success and to maintain COVIDSafe environment. Get access to three consultations with an independent consultant who will support improving the safety in your business. Find more information here.

You can contact Rhonda McInnes from WorkSafe on 0417 344 484 or ohsessentials@worksafe.vic.gov.au.

OHS-graphic.jpg

COVIDSafe PLAN
It is mandatory for every Victorian business with on-site operations to have a written COVIDSafe Plan.

The COVIDSafe Plan has been developed to support businesses to maintain a COVIDSafe workplace and prepare for a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in the workplace.

In order to be compliant with public health direction:

• This COVIDSafe Plan should be developed in consultation with workers and any relevant Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs).

• In addition to completing a COVIDSafe Plan, you are still required to meet your obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.

• You must comply with a request to present or modify your written COVIDSafe Plan, if directed to do so by an Authorised Officer or WorkSafe Inspector. To ensure compliance, random spot checks are occurring throughout Victoria.

For more information, including how to develop your COVIDSafe Plan, click on https://www.business.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-safe-business/covid-safe-plan.

 You can stay up to date with restrictions and public health advice at  coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

 

 

 

 

 

Back to top