The Victorian Business Support Package, announced in August 2021, allocates an additional $400 million to assist businesses affected by COVID-19, including grants for small businesses with significant revenue declines and funds for hospitality venues. Key offerings include the $180 million Small Business COVID Hardship Fund, the Business Continuity Fund providing $5,000 grants, and specific funding for commercial tenants. Eligibility criteria vary across programs, and applications must be submitted online by specified deadlines.

1. COVID-19 Victorian Business
Support Package Explained
13 August 2021
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2. 2
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4. Victorian Business Support Package
Live Q&A Webinar
With Patrick Sargent

5. Disclosure
The information provided is of general in nature and should not
be relied upon without consulting the advice of an independent
expert. The advice does not constitute financial advice.
Should you wish to engage either POP or Lawpath to assist you
with your Grant, we would be happy to assist you.

6. Meet Patrick Sargent
● CEO & Co-Founder at POP Tax & POP Business
● Chartered accountant & Registered Tax Agent
● Expertise in business advisory, tax compliance &
Virtual CFO

7. Victorian Business Support Package
The new Victorian Business Support Package will deliver an additional $400 million in support to
thousands of businesses, with funding to be split 50/50 between the Commonwealth and
Victorian Government.
New Grants
● $85 million Small Business COVID Hardship Fund
● $156 million Business Continuity Fund
● Support for commercial tenants and landlords.
Additional funding for existing grants
● $70 million for the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021
● $9.8 million for Alpine Business Support.

8. Small Business COVID
Hardship Fund

9. Available Funding
A new $180 million fund will be established to support small businesses who
have not been eligible under existing business support funds.
Small businesses with a payroll of up to $10 million who have experienced a
70 per cent or greater reduction in revenue will be eligible for grants of up to
$10,000.
https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/small-business-covid-ha
rdship-fund

10. Eligibility
To be eligible, businesses must:
● be located within Victoria
● as a direct consequence of COVID-19 restrictions since 27 May 2021 have experienced a reduction in
turnover of at least 70% for a minimum consecutive two-week period comparable to a benchmark
period in 2019
● have an annual Victorian payroll of up to $10 million in 2019-20 on an ungrouped basis
● have been registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) on and from 28 July 2021
● hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and have held that ABN on and from 28 July 2021
● be registered with the responsible Federal or State regulator.
Employing businesses must also:
● be registered with WorkSafe Victoria
● attest that the business is supporting its workers to access any paid leave entitlements, or that if a
person can work from home, to work from home during the COVID-19 restrictions, and supporting their
casual workers, where possible.

11. Further Eligibility Req.
When applying for this grant you will need:
● to demonstrate a reduction in turnover of at least 70% for a minimum consecutive two-week period
since 27 May 2021 as a direct consequence of COVID-19 restrictions, comparable to a benchmark period
in 2019
○ businesses should compare their best consecutive two-week trading period between 27 May and
10 September 2019, with their worst consecutive two-week trading period between 27 May and 10
September 2021
● endorsement of the reduction in turnover by a qualified agent (qualified accountant, registered tax
agent or registered BAS agent)
Applicants with multiple businesses
You can only apply for one grant per ABN. If you have separate ABNs for your businesses, you must submit
separate applications for each ABN. Each business or ABN must satisfy all the eligibility criteria.

12. Further Eligibility Req.
Businesses will not be eligible to receive a Small Business COVID Hardship Fund grant if they
have received support under any of the government COVID-19 support packages launched on
and after 27 May 2021, including:
• Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two
• Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two Extension
• Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021
• Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 – July Extension
• Alpine Resorts Support Program
• Victorian Events Support Package, comprising of:
• Sustainable Events Business Program
• Impacted Public Events Support Program Independent Cinema Support Program
• Live Performance Support Program (Presenters)
• Live Performance Support Program (Suppliers)

13. Comparison period
Impacted Period is 27 May 2021 to 10 September 2021 Benchmark Period is;
• For businesses that were actively trading in 2019: 27 May 2019 to 10 September 2019, or
• For businesses that were not actively trading in 2019: 1 February 2021 to 28 July 2021.
The comparison point for businesses:
• actively trading in 2019, should generally be the similar time of the year unless there are
exceptional reasons as to why a different time is chosen, noting that slight adjustments for
trading days are acceptable; or
• not actively trading in 2019, should reflect a normal level of trading activity for your business
between 1 February 2021 to 28 July 2021.

14. Comparison Period Eligibility Test
Declare you experienced the required decline in turnover due to the Public Health Orders over a
minimum 2-week period from 26 June 2021 to 17 July 2021 compared to the same period in June
and/or July 2019;
Example;
Sales 27 June 2019 to 10 July 2019 = $10,000
Sales 27 June 2021 to 10 July 2021 = $2,000
Decline in turnover $ = $8,000
Decline in turnover % = 80% ($8,000/$10,000)
In this example, the business may be eligible for the $10,000 grant given the decline exceeds the
70% test.

15. Comparison period contin..
What happens if my turnover for the benchmark period in 2019 was not representative of my
usual turnover, for example due to a natural disaster?
The benchmark period should generally be the similar time of the year as the impacted period unless
there are exceptional circumstances that affected your turnover, for example:
● natural disasters
● sickness, injury or leave of key personnel
● acquisition, disposal, or restructure that changed the entity’s turnover
● a business’ start-up phase.
In these circumstances, you can demonstrate a reduction in turnover of 70% or more over a
consecutive two-week period since 27 May 2021 by comparing to a two-week period of normal
trading activity between 1 February 2021 and 28 July 2021.

16. Funding use
Grant funds must be used to assist the business, for example on:
• Meeting business costs, including utilities, wages or rent;
• Seeking financial, legal or other advice to support business
continuity planning;
• Developing the business through marketing and communications
activities; or
• Any other supporting activities related to the operation of the
business.

17. How to apply
• Applications are submitted online via the Business Victoria website
(business.vic.gov.au).
• All questions in the application need to be completed and requested information is to
be provided to ensure timely assessment and grant payment.
• If you have any queries about your application or require further information on the
program visit business.vic.gov.au or contact the Business Victoria Hotline at 13 22 15.
Closing date
• The Program will be open for applications until program funds are exhausted or 11.59
pm Friday 10 September 2021, whichever is earlier.ting activities related to the
operation of the business.

18. Business Costs
Assistance Program

19. Available Funding - July Extension
The Victorian Government’s Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two July Extension (BCAP2e) gives
eligible businesses that had not previously applied for the Program in June, or have since become eligible,
with the opportunity to apply for the equivalent of the July Top-Up Payments.
The program offers grants of $4800 to eligible businesses, including employing and non-employing
businesses, depending on their industry sector
The Program will be open for applications until program funds are exhausted or 11.59pm 13 August 2021,
whichever is earlier.
Applicants are required to submit an application online via the Business Victoria website
(business.vic.gov.au). All questions in the application need to be completed and requested information is to
be provided to ensure timely assessment and grant payment.

20. Eligibility
To be eligible for the Program, a business must:
1. Be located within Victoria; and
2. Be registered as operating in an eligible industry sector identified in the List of Eligible ANZSIC classes (as
defined by the ANZSIC class linked to the business’ ABN); and
3. Have incurred direct costs as a result of the July COVID-19 Restrictions and the business cannot predominantly
operate remotely; and
4. Have an annual Victorian payroll of up to $10 million in 2019-20 on an ungrouped basis; and
5. Be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) on 15 July 2021; and
6. Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and have held that ABN on and from 15 July 2021; and
7. Be registered with the responsible Federal or State regulator.
For employing businesses only:
1. Be registered with WorkSafe Victoria; and
2. Attest that the business is supporting its workers to access any paid leave entitlements, or that if a person can
work from home, to work from home during the July COVID-19 Restrictions, and supporting their casual workers,
where possible.

21. Eligibility cont.
Businesses are NOT eligible for a grant under this program if they have received a grant under:
● the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two, or
● the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021
Businesses can apply for the grant if they have received assistance through the:
● Business Support Fund,
● payroll tax rebate/waiver,
● other COVID-19 programs
Applicants with multiple businesses:
You can only apply for one grant per ABN. If you have separate ABNs for your businesses, you
must submit separate applications for each ABN. Each business or ABN must satisfy all the
eligibility criteria.

22. Information you need for your application
When applying for this grant you will need:
● a valid Australian business number (ABN) for your business in one of these eligible
business sectors linked to your ABN registration.
● if you employ people, your WorkCover Employer Number (WEN) or, if this is yet to be
issued, a WorkSafe Application Reference Number (WRN)
● a valid proof of identity document (Australian driver licence, Australian Passport,
Medicare Card and foreign passport with Australian visa).
Please make sure your ABN information on the Australian Business Register (ABR) is up to
date and correct – including ANZSIC class, location and authorised contact details.
Please also make sure that your ASIC registration, or relevant regulator information, is
current (where required).

23. Funding use
Grant funds must be used to assist the business, for example on:
• Meeting business costs, including utilities, wages or rent;
• Seeking financial, legal or other advice to support business continuity
planning;
• Developing the business through marketing and communications
activities; or
• Any other supporting activities related to the operation of the business.

24. Available Funding - Round Three
The Business Costs Assistance Program Round Three provides additional
support to eligible small to medium businesses in sectors affected by the
current restrictions in metropolitan and regional Victoria.
Successful recipients of the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two
and the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two July Extension will
receive an additional $2800.
You do not need to apply for this payment, it will be automatically paid to
eligible businesses.

25. Available Funding - Round Three
Can I receive the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Three payment as
well as the Tourism Supplement and previous Top-Up Payments?
Yes. All successful grant recipients to the Business Costs Assistance Program Round
Two and Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two July Extension will receive the
Business Costs Assistance Program Round Three payment. The payment will also be
paid if you received the Tourism Supplement or the June Top-Up Payment.

26. Business Continuity Fund

27. Available Funding
A $156 million Business Continuity Fund will be established to deliver $5000 grants to up to
around 30,000 businesses that remain impacted by capacity limits placed on businesses by
necessary public health restrictions.
Twenty-four eligible sectors are covered by the fund for businesses including gyms, cafes,
restaurants, event businesses, catering services and hairdressers.
Recognising businesses located in the CBD will continue to be impacted due to restrictions on
the number of staff allowed in office buildings, they will be eligible to receive an additional
$2000.
To receive this funding, businesses must have received or be eligible for the Business Cost
Assistance Program Round Two or Round Two July Extension. Eligible businesses will
automatically receive this funding - they do not need to apply for it.

28. Licensed Hospitality
Venue Fund 2021

29. Available Funding
The Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 July Extension supports eligible licensed
hospitality venues that were affected by the COVID-19 restrictions announced on 15 July
2021, but did not apply for the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 in June 2021.
Eligible businesses will be invited to apply for grants of $7200 for each eligible premises.
Eligible liquor licensees with an eLicence email address registered with the Victorian
Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) will receive an email containing
their grant application link from Business Victoria.
Liquor licensees without an eLicence email address must set one up on their VCGLR Portal
by 11.59pm on Monday 9 August 2021 to receive their grant application link.
Applications for a grant can only be submitted through the link emailed by Business
Victoria.

30. Eligibility
To be eligible for the grant, an applicant must:
• operate a licensed bar, restaurant, pub, club, hotel, café or reception centre that is registered to
serve food and alcohol (Premises) in Victoria on 15 July 2021
• hold a general or late night (general), full club, restaurant and cafe, producer’s or on-premises, or
late night (on-premises) liquor licence on 15 July 2021
• provide a Class 2 or 3 Service Sector Certificate of Registration under the Food Act 1984 that is valid
in 2020 or 2021 for serving food on the same premises
• be registered for goods and services tax (GST) on 15 July 2021
• hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and have held that ABN on 15 July 2021
• be registered with the responsible Australian or Victorian regulator.
For employing businesses only, the applicant must confirm that the business is supporting its workers
(including casual workers, where possible) to access any paid leave entitlements, or that if a person can
work from home, to work from home during the Victorian Government COVIDSafe restrictions.

31. Application
Applications are now open and will be available until 11:59pm on Friday 13
August 2021.
Businesses must submit an application online through a form link sent via
Business Victoria to the liquor licensee’s eLicence email address.
Applicants have to provide:
● Copies of the documents & registrations required under the eligibility
criteria.
● ID e.g. drivers licence
● Medicare Card
● Passport (for those in Australia under a visa)

32. Exclusions
Businesses who hold a food certificate but do not hold a liquor licence are not
eligible for a grant under this program. Businesses who hold a liquor licence
but do not have a food certificate for the same premises are also not eligible
for a grant under this program.
Businesses will not be eligible to receive a Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund
July Extension grant if they have received support under any of the following
programs:
• Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 for the same premises
• Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two
• Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two July Extension.

33. Commercial Tenancy
Relief Scheme

34. Commercial Tenancy Relief
The Commercial Tenancies Relief Scheme will be reinstated to provide much
needed rent relief to small to medium commercial tenants and their landlords with
more details on the roll out to be provided by the Victorian Government soon.
The package, to be fully funded by the Victorian Government, will deliver $80 million
to provide support to landlords that provide rent relief to their tenants.
The Victorian Government is yet to announce a date for the reinstatement of this
program or any changes to it’s eligibility requirements and application process.

35. Alpine Business Support
Program

36. Available funding
The Alpine Business Support program will receive a further $9.8 million to continue
delivering support for affected businesses. The existing grant provides between
$5,000 and $20,000 to 430 Alpine based businesses in recognition of restricted
inter and intra-state travel during the peak winter season.
The funding also includes an additional $5 million support to alpine resort operators
and management boards.
Eligibility requirements for this new round are yet to be announced, however the
requirements for the previous round can be found here:
https://business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-programs/alpine-resorts-winter-support-
program

37. Other Government
Support Packages

38. Small Business Digital
Adaptation Program

39. Available Funding
This program provides $1200 rebates so small businesses can access a range of
digital business tools.
The Victorian Government has partnered with 14 suppliers to help you build or
upgrade your website, improve your cash flow, start online marketing, manage
your jobs and projects, and keep better track of stock.
Here’s how it works:
1. Take free product trials and workshops
2. Choose one or more of the digital products
3. Purchase your product and start using it
4. Apply for the rebate to cover up to 12 months access
5. Claim your $1,200.

40. Eligibility
The Small Business Digital Adaptation Program is for sole trader, micro
businesses and small businesses. To be eligible for the program an
applicant must:
• Operate a business located in Victoria
• Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Have held that ABN on 13 September 2019.
The program is currently closed, but applications will reopen soon.

41. Lawpath is proud to be a part of the Small
Business Digital Adaptation Program.
You can claim back the cost of our Legal
Plans and access a year of on demand legal
advice through the $1,200 rebate.
To confirm your eligibility, use our ABN
checker here - https://my.lawpath.com/vic-program-info

42. JobTrainer Apprentice
Supplement

43. Available Funding
If you have apprentices, you may qualify for the JobTrainer apprentice
supplement.
The incentive payments to employers are based on the apprenticeship
certificate level completed. The majority of incentive payments are one-off
and paid annually at the end of the year. Payments range from $750 to
$4000, depending on the incentive. Payments to offer apprenticeship
opportunities to apprentices with a disability are paid weekly.
https://www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/Australian-Apprentices
hips-Incentives-Program

44. Expanded Payroll
Tax Deferral

45. Available Funding
You can apply for extended and expanded payroll tax deferral. Eligible
businesses with payrolls up to $10 million can defer their liabilities for the full
2020/21 financial year.
Eligible employers will receive a credit of 10 cents for every dollar of Victorian
taxable wages paid in the relevant designated financial year that are above
the previous financial year’s wages. The credit will be applied against the
employer’s payroll tax liabilities at the end of the relevant designated
financial year. The waiver may partially or fully extinguish the payroll tax
liability for an eligible employer for the designated year.
https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-payroll-tax-relief#waiving-20-22-pt
x

46. COVID-19 Disaster
Payment Victoria

47. For more information, visit Services Australia.
Available Payments for Individuals

48. ❓
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