Program Overview
The Victorian Government has launched the $500 million Business Support Fund to support small businesses in the sectors hit hardest by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic so they can survive and keep people in work.
$10,000 grants are available to eligible small businesses that:
- employ staff
- have been subject to closure or are highly impacted by Victoria’s shutdown restrictions announced to-dateExternal link (opens in same window)
- have a turnover of more than $75,000
- have payroll of less than $650,000.
At a glance
Potential value of grant
Funding of $10,000 per business is available and will be allocated through a grant process.
Eligibility
Small businesses are eligible if they:
- employ staff
- have been subject to closure or are highly impacted by Victoria’s Non-Essential Activity Directions issued by the Deputy Chief Health Officer to-date External link (opens in same window).
- have a turnover of more than $75,000
- have payroll of less than $650,000.
More details about eligibility and guidelines on how to apply below.
1. Eligibility requirements
Businesses are eligible to apply for a grant through the Fund if they meet the following criteria:
- Have been subject to closure or highly impacted by Non-Essential Activity Directions issued by the Deporty Chief Health Officer to-date External link (opens in same window); and
- Employ people; and
- Have a turnover of more than $75,000; and
- Have payroll of less than $650,000; and
- Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and held that ABN at 16 March 2020 (when the State of Emergency External link (opens in same window)was declared); and
- Have been engaged in carrying out the operation of the business in the Australian State of Victoria on 16 March 2020.
If you have further questions about the Business Support Fund or eligibility criteria, please read the FAQs.
While owners of businesses that do not employ people (non-employing businesses) are not eligible for funding through this program, they can seek support through the Commonwealth Government’s Job Seeker Payment Program External link (opens in same window).
2. How can the funding be used?
Examples of what the grant funding could be used for include:
- Meeting business costs, including utilities, salaries, rent
- Seeking financial, legal or other advice to support business continuity planning
- Developing the business through marketing and communications activities
- Other supporting activities related to the operation of the business.
3. Evidence of eligibility and compliance
- Applicants must certify in writing that they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Applicants will be subject to audit by the Victorian Government or its representatives and will be required to produce evidence, such as payroll reports to demonstrate impact, at the request of the Victorian Government for a period of four years after the grant has been approved.
- If any information in the application is found to be false or misleading, or grants are not applied for the purposes stated in the terms of funding and application, the grant will be repayable on demand.
4. How to apply
Applicants must submit an application online via the ‘Apply now’ button on this page.
Applicants are required to provide a copy of their most recent Business Activity Statement (BAS). Other supporting materials can also be provided.
All questions in the application must be completed and any requested documentation attached to ensure timely assessment and grant payment.
Please refer to the FAQs page for answers to questions you may have about your application.
If you require further assistance please call 13 22 15 or email us.