Government Support Options for Businesses
With Stage 4 restrictions announced, it is an opportunity to check-in on the available support options from Australia’s 3 tiers of Government.
Melton City Council Business Support
Melton City Council’s support package was designed to complement the comprehensive support offerings of the Australian and Victorian governments, and considerable effort has been made to reach out and help ensure the local business community has been able to tap into the support available to them.
The main features of Council’s support are:
1) Free membership to the Venture Melton Business Network until July 2021
Membership includes:
Free Business Advice and Mentoring: Sometimes it only takes a quick discussion with a business expert to unpack some potential areas of improvement that you can work on in your business, or to help you see something from a different view point. Free, independent business advice and mentoring is available for network members to book online now. Choose from a wide range of business experts to find the one that suits your needs and then lock them in before your competitor does.
Business Webinars and tutorials: Live business webinars are provided on a regular basis covering a range of hot topics. If you can’t make the live webinar you can always catch-up from the tutorial library at your own time and pace.
Business directory listing: Members are added to the online member directory with links to websites. An easy way to get some business exposure to the other 950+ members.
“The People’s Page” Social media group: While we can’t get together face-to-face, this Facebook group allows members to connect with each other.
Discounted membership rate for the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). VMBN network members can access a 50% discount on the ‘Complete’ membership package which represents a $600 saving.
2) Waiving of Food & Health Business permit renewal fees for 2021
Businesses with existing permits will have their renewal fees waived for the 2021 (annual registrations are from 1 January - 31 December each year, with renewal notices sent out in October). The relevant registration/application process will still need to be adhered to, however no fees will be applied. New businesses registering before January 1st 2021 will still need to pay a pro-rata fee for the rest of the current period, but will then be eligible for the waived fee in the 2021.
Learn more about food & health permit renewal processes.
Food Act Renewals – 3 categories
Street Trader Permits
A-Frame & Outdoor Trading Permits
Health Act Permits
3) Waiving of planning permit application fees for businesses and commercial properties up to 31 December 2020
Planning application fees relating to retail and commercial uses and developments will be waived until the end of 2020. Typically a change of application fee is $1,300 and notification (if required) is another $400 - $500. If you are planning to submit a planning application for your business it is recommend you first connect with the Business Concierge Service which will enable you to confirm if your application will be eligible to have the fees waived before submitting for assessment.
4) Zero Percent rate rise in 2020/21 Council Budget
Melton City Council has planned a zero percent rate rise in its 2020/21 Draft Budget in response to the hardship experienced by residents during the COVID-19 crisis. This is in addition to rate relief discount that was offered to eligible residents and businesses at the end of the 2019/20 financial year.
This measure adds to Council’s recently implemented COVID-19 Financial Assistance Policy, which provides options to people experiencing financial difficulty due to COVID-19 impacts. Both residential and business ratepayers can request to access this policy for payment plans, payment deferrals, and waivers of penalty interest. Learn More on Council’s Website
5) ‘Open for Business’ Campaign to promote your business
This campaign is designed to give businesses a platform to promote that they are still open and ready to help serve their customers’ needs and wants. The campaign uses a combination of weekly newspaper ads in the Star Weekly newspaper which is supported by regular social media promotions on the ‘Melton City Much More’ facebook page. There are no costs to be involved so it’s a great opportunity to get your business name out there. Register your interest.
If you would like to connect with Council to check-in on support options you can call the Business Support Number on 03 9747 7157 or email venturemelton@melton.vic.gov.au
Federal Government Business Support
The Federal government support programs have been well received by the local business community, with many already receiving JobKeeper payments and Boosting Cash Flow for Employers. A full listing is available on the Government’s Business website. Some of the key programs include:
JobKeeper Payment
The basic eligibility criteria for the Federal Government’s JobKeeper payments for most businesses is that they experienced a 30% fall in turnover due to COVID-19. If you have experienced a decline in your business revenue you may be eligible to enrol for JobKeeper. The program has been extended until March 2021.
Boosting Cash Flow for Employers
The Boosting cash flow for employers measure will be done through 2 sets of cash flow boosts to support employers to keep operating, pay rent, electricity and other bills and retain staff.
Through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the Government will provide tax-free cash flow boosts of between $20,000 and $100,000 to eligible businesses, delivered through credits in the activity statement system, when they lodge their activity statements up to the month or quarter of September 2020.
Early Access to Superannuation
Eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents can still apply to access up to a $10,000 from their superannuation savings from 1 July 2020 until 24 September 2020. While this program is designed for people who are unemployed, if you are a sole trader and your business has either been suspended or there’s been a reduction in your turnover of 20% or more, you may still be eligible.
Victorian Government Business Support
The Victorian Government has a range of support options. Some are general support options open to all businesses affected by COVID-19, while others are more industry specific. The “Business Support and Financial Finder Tool” is an easy way to navigate the options.
Some of the key programs that may be relevant to City of Melton businesses include:
Business Support Fund – Expansion
With Stage 4 business restrictions announced, eligible businesses can now access up to $10,000 in total through the Business Support Fund.
Night-time Economy Business Support Initiative
$40 million from the Business Support Fund is being made available to provide rent relief for licensed venues with an individual annual turnover of up to $50 million, but who are not covered by the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme.
Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme
A commercial tenancy relief scheme to alleviate financial hardship faced by tenants and landlords as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Bruce Marshall
Coordinator Economic Development & Tourism