Business Support

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Overview

This section has information for businesses in the Central Goldfields Shire. You will be able to find out about free training, local, state and federal government support, lease and workplace award relief, the business restrictions associated with COVID-19 and external and industry peak body contacts.

There are also the contact details for Council Business Support team in the Contact Council Business Support Section.

For a detailed report on the response and recovery actions that have been undertaken by Council in response to the COVID-19 pandemic 

Local Business Support 

New Council Procurement Policy increases support for local businesses

At its meeting on Tuesday 23 June, Council adopted a new procurement policy. Importantly for local businesses, the new policy has doubled the weighting of the criterion for local content when evaluating tenders. Including a 10 percent weighting for local content (compared to five percent in the previous policy) will create greater opportunities for local suppliers when tendering for goods and services used by Council. The following are extracts from the new policy:

Support of Local Business and Industry

Council recognises the need to support the local economy. To encourage this, the Council will actively seek offers from local suppliers where possible by:
 - encouraging participation from local suppliers and
 - including evaluation criteria that gives a maximum weighting of 10 percent for local content where considered relevant by the Tender Panel.

To accommodate this support, Council has encouraged local traders to register on Council's e-tender board.  This will enable the traders to be emailed details of any tender opportunities within their field of registration.

'Local content' means any business based in the Shire boundaries or with a branch-based within the Shire boundaries.

Central Goldfields Financial Support Measures - 23 September 2020 

Council will extend its financial support measures to assist local businesses with the impact of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. The support includes:

  • Updated COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy will also apply to businesses
  • Waiver of 2021 registration fees for food, accommodation, beauty, hairdressing salons and various permits.
  • Waived outdoor dining fees and a simplified and streamlined outdoor dining application process now in place 
  • Payment of local suppliers weekly to improve business cash flow continues
  • Waived rent for businesses occupying Council buildings and facilities extended to 31 March 2021
  • Ongoing dedicated business contact officer within the Council
  • Ongoing dedicated COVID-19 business support page (the page you are currently viewing) 
  • Ongoing access to Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry support in partnership with Committee for Maryborough 

For full details on what is included in the financial response package

Temperature Testing Tools Delivered Across the State
Infrared thermometers are being distributed across the state, along with coronavirus testing clinic being set up in popular tourist destinations along the Great Ocean Road and Alps.

The thermometers are being distributed to local councils, and out Victorian Information Centre is delivering to the accommodation operators and tourism venues.  Please contact the VIC for more information on 5460 4511 or Email.

 

Economic Development and Tourism and Events Strategies 

The 2020-2025 Economic Development and Tourism and Events strategies were adopted at our Ordinary Meeting of Council on Tuesday 24 March 2020. While we need to focus on the economic impacts of the current pandemic crisis in the short term, these strategies will be important in the recovery process and building economic resilience over time.  Both strategies are available to view here.

Local Business Taskforce

Economic Response and Recovery Taskforce

As part of Council’s pandemic response, we have established a task force to work on a response to the economic crisis and to make plans for a strong recovery at a local level. This will function as an advisory committee to Council’s teams in Economic Development and Tourism, Events & Culture and consists of relevant staff as well as members of the business community.

Members include business owners from Dunolly, Talbot and Maryborough and rural locations who represent a range of industries and business sectors.  At the most recent meeting, the group discussed response and recovery issues and will work with the Council in developing a plan for economic recovery. 

Who can I find out more information from?

Email ecodev@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au

Small Business Guide for Creating a Mental Health Plan

The Victorian Small Business Commission has developed a  

It comes with an for small business owners to build their own tailored plan and an to use as a guide point. 

If you would like more information about their resource or other supports we provide, please contact Cate Hamill on 9651 9114 o

 

 Financial Support

 Free Support Clip Art with No Background - ClipartKey

Tourism Accommodation Support Program

As announced on Tuesday 30 June 2020, specific postcodes in Victoria will return to Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The return to Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions mean some residents within these hot zones will have to cancel travel bookings to regional Victoria during the period, placing additional strain on accommodation providers.

Accommodation providers in regional Victoria impacted by these cancellations will be able to apply for direct financial support of up to $225 per booking per night through the new Tourism Accommodation Support Program.

Register 

Grants Available

Sustaining Creative Workers’ grants
These will provide funds for Victorian-based independent creatives and micro organisations with at least five years of professional experience.  Grants of $5,000 will be available for individuals, and $10,000 for micro organisations and businesses. An additional $2,500 in access funding will be available for creatives with a disability, and disability-led organisations from Victorian Government’s $13 million Strategic Investment Fund for Non-Government Arts and Cultural Organisations. Details of the latest grant recipients available 
 
Australian Government’s $27 million Relief & Recovery Fund for the Cultural & Creative Sector
There are dedicated financial support immediately available:

  • Indigenous art centres and Indigenous art fairs supported through the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program will have access to $7 million to maintain operations, support artists and their communities and enable the continued creation of artwork (and income)
  • The charity, ‘Support Act’, will receive $10 million to provide immediate crisis relief to artists, crew and music and live performance workers who have lost employment or are experiencing hardship
  • Artists and arts organisations in regional Australia will be able to access additional funding of $10 million through the Regional Arts Fund to develop new work and explore new delivery models.

For more information, see the Fact Sheets

Financial Counselling Available - Small and Rural Business

Free financial counselling available for small and agricultural businesses from Sunraysia Rural Counselling Service.  Call them directly on 1300 769 489 or visit 

Australian Banking Association 

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has stated all small businesses hit by the Coronavirus Pandemic will be able to access a six-month deferral of all loan repayments.

Assistance can include:
- A deferral of scheduled loan repayments
- Waiving fees and charges
- Interest-free periods or no interest rate increases
- Debt consolidation to help make repayments more manageable.

If your business is affected by COVID-19 speak directly to your bank to receive a six-month business loan payment deferral.

Free Membership with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The Victorian Chamber (VCCI) is able to assist members.  The Chamber is waiving any new entry-level membership, so businesses in the region are encouraged to apply.  Members of the Chamber have access to industry updates and training webinars.  For more information visit 

Victorian Government Assistance

$10,000 Grants to Help Businesses During Pandemic

The $500 million Business Support Fund will support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the hardest-hit sectors, including hospitality, tourism, accommodation, arts and entertainment, and retail. Eligible businesses can apply for a one-off $10,000 grant which can be used towards costs such as utilities, rent and salaries, and activities to support business continuity planning.

Through Business Support Fund established by the Victorian Government, small businesses are eligible for a $10,000 grant if they:

  • employ staff
  • are subject to closure or highly impacted by shutdown restrictions
  • have a turnover of more than $75,000
  • have a payroll of less than $650,000.

To be eligible, businesses must also be operating in the hardest-hit sectors including:

  • Accommodation and food services (e.g. cafes, restaurants, caterers, hotels, motels)
  • Arts and entertainment (e.g. cinemas, performing arts venues, creative spaces, performers, museums)
  • Health and beauty services (e.g. hairdressers, barbers, beauty therapists)
  • Sport and recreation (e.g. gyms, swimming pools, indoor climbing, play centres)
  • Tourism (e.g. tourist transport, tour operators, tour arrangement)
  • Retail, other than supermarket, groceries, liquor and pharmacy businesses
  • Other services (e.g. real estate agents)

For eligibility and to apply to visit the 

Working for Victoria Fund

Under the $500 million Working for Victoria Fund, displaced workers will be eligible to apply for different types of work. This presents opportunities for paid work and a chance to contribute to Victoria’s ability to manage this event and support the community.   

Payroll Tax Refund

Businesses with annual taxable wages up to $3 million will have their payroll tax for the 2019-20 financial year waived, giving $550 million back to businesses who need it. Eligible businesses must continue to lodge returns but do not need to make further payments for this financial year. These businesses can also defer paying payroll tax for the first quarter of the 2020-21 financial year. 

Commercial tenancies relief scheme

The Victorian Government will immediately introduce a commercial tenancy relief scheme to alleviate the financial hardship faced by tenants and landlords as a result of COVID-19. 

Land tax relief 

Landowners who have at least one non-residential property and total taxable landholdings below $1 million have the option of deferring their 2020 land tax payment until after 31 December 2020. Landlords who provide tenants impacted by COVID-19 with rent relief may be eligible for a 25 per cent reduction on the property’s 2020 land tax. 

Liquor licence fees waived

Renewable liquor licence fees for 2020 will be waived. Businesses who have already paid will be reimbursed.   

Fast tracking outstanding supplier invoices

The Victorian Government will pay all outstanding supplier invoices within five business days - releasing up to $750 million into the economy earlier.  

 Rent relief for commercial tenants in government buildings 

The Victorian Government will work directly with commercial tenants in government buildings who can apply for rent relief. Private landlords are also being encouraged to provide rent relief or holidays to help businesses.

Commonwealth Government Assistance

JobKeeper Payment

Under the JobKeeper program, businesses will be able to access a wages subsidy to continue paying their employees: a fortnightly payment of $1,500 per eligible employee from 30 March 2020, for a maximum of six months.

The following information explains how you can enrol for the JobKeeper payment:

  • Step 1 –  and subscribe for JobKeeper payment updates via the ATO.
  • Step 2 – Check you and your employees meet the eligibility requirements.
  • Step 3 – Pay at least $1,500 to each eligible employee per JobKeeper fortnight (the first JobKeeper fortnight is the period from 30 March to 12 April) deducting the correct amount of PAYG withholding tax from this payment.
  • Step 4 – Notify your eligible employees that you are intending to claim the JobKeeper payment on their behalf and check they aren’t claiming JobKeeper payment through another employer or have nominated through another business.
  • Step 5 – Send the  to your nominated employees to complete and return to you by the end of April if you plan to claim JobKeeper payment for April. Keep it on file and provide a copy to your registered tax agent if you are using one.
  • Step 6 – From 20 April 2020, you can enrol directly with the ATO for the JobKeeper payment using the Business Portal. You must do this by the end of April to claim JobKeeper payments for April.

Extension for Instant Asset Write-Off Scheme
Under this scheme, eligible businesses are able to immediately write off the cost of each asset worth less than $150 00 and claim a tax deduction for the business portion of the purchase cost in the year the asset is first used or installed ready to use.  Call your accountant or book-keeper for more information.

Boosting cash flow for employers 

Up to $100,000 will be available for eligible small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and not-for-profits (NFPs) that employ people, with a minimum payment of $20,000. 

Temporary relief for financially distressed businesses 

The Commonwealth Government is temporarily increasing the threshold at which creditors can issue a statutory demand on a company. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will tailor solutions for owners or directors of business that are currently struggling due to coronavirus. 

Supporting the flow of credit - SME Guarantee Scheme 

SMEs with a turnover of up to $50 million will be eligible to receive a guarantee of 50 per cent to SME lenders to support new short-term unsecured loans to be used for working capital. The Scheme will guarantee up to $40 billion of new lending. 

Increasing the instant asset write-off 

The instant asset write-off (IAWO) threshold has been increased from $30,000 to $150,000 and expanded access to include businesses with an aggregated annual turnover of less than $500 million (up from $50 million) until 30 June 2020. 

Backing Business Investment (BBI)

BBI is a time-limited 15-month investment incentive (through to 30 June 2021) to support business investment and economic growth over the short term by accelerating depreciation deductions. Businesses with a turnover of less than $500 million will be able to deduct 50 per cent of the cost of an eligible asset on installation, with existing depreciation rules applying to the balance of the asset’s cost. 

 Supporting apprentices and trainees

Eligible employers can apply for a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of the apprentice’s or trainee’s wage for 9 months from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020. Where small business is not able to retain an apprentice, the subsidy will be available to a new employer that employs that apprentice.  

 Assistance for affected regions, communities and industries 

The Commonwealth Government is providing $1 billion to support regions, communities and industries most significantly affected by the coronavirus outbreak. A major relief package of up to $715 million is also available to support the airline industry.

 Fair Work Commission Provisional Variation to Modern Awards

Up to 103 modern awards, including the Hospitality Award, the Clerks-Private Sector Award and the Restaurant Award, have been varied to provide relief to workers impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.  The changes address unpaid pandemic leave and the flexibility to take annual leave at half pay.  It is proposed the variations are in place to 30th June 2020 (however they may be extended).  For more information visit the 

Assistance to Exporters

Increase in Export Market Development Grants

The Commonwealth Government has increased funding for the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG). Funding for the scheme will increase by $49.8 million in the 2019-20 financial year, allowing exporters and tourism businesses to get additional reimbursements for costs incurred in marketing their products and services around the world. 

This increase supplements the additional $60 million already committed by the Government and brings EMDG funding to its highest level in more than 20 years at $207.7 million for the 2019-20 financial year

International Freight Assistance Mechanism The new $110 million International Freight Assistance Mechanism will assist Australia’s agricultural and fisheries sector by helping them export their high-quality products into key overseas markets, with return flights bringing back vital medical supplies, medicines and equipment.  

Exporters wishing to access the mechanism can  or call the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment on (02) 6272 2444. 

COVID-19 Export Capital Facility

The Commonwealth Government has established a $500 million COVID-19 Export Capital Facility to assist previously profitable Australian exporters whose businesses have been impacted by COVID-19.   

Exporters will be able to access loans from $250,000 to $50 million under the Facility. The Facility will complement other measures announced by the Government which enable banks to support new and existing clients.  Exporters should contact their banks in the first instance to determine what assistance may be available to them. 

 

Agriculture Workforce Plan

The Victorian Government is helping businesses in rural, regional and outer metropolitan Victoria to meet their labour needs during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Businesses may also be eligible to receive:

  • A daily travel-to-work allowance of up to $50 per employee to attract new staff if there are delays filling eligible job roles.
  • Up to $200 per day for the cost of accommodating new employees to enable them to fill eligible roles if they were unable to be filled locally.
  • For impacted businesses, between $1,000 and $100,000 to induct workers into new roles and deliver training that has been necessitated as a result of the pandemic
  • Between $10,000 and $300,000 to cover up to 50 per cent of the cost of adapting workplaces to comply with COVID-19 health, safety and social distancing requirements or adapt to required business changes imposed from the COVID-19 pandemic

Businesses with urgent needs or those that would like to talk to someone about targeted support should email the Agriculture Workforce Plan and a case manager will respond to them directly.

 

 

What should you tell your staff?

 4 Key Learning and Development Jobs Explained | AIHR Digital

For advice on communication with staff, how to develop business continuity and recovery plan and more, visit 

Jobseekers and Employees

If you are a jobseeker in Victoria you are invited to register your details on the Working for Victoria site to access new work opportunities.

Safe Work Australia

The Safe Work Australia website is a valuable resource for employers, workers and small businesses looking for COVID-19 work health and safety information. There is also a series of checklists on physical distancing, cleaning and hygiene to limit the spread of COVID-19  in the workplace. For more information visit HERE

Skilled Migration Updates

The department of Home Affairs has policy updates and information regarding visa programs that may be of interest if you employ temporary visa holders or are considering doing so.

There is a range of information available on the Home Affairs website in relation to Australia's immigration and border arrangements during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak – VISIT HERE

 

Council Business Support Contacts

Complying with MAR: Learnings from the UK - EQS Group

For more information about Business in Central Goldfields contact Alisha, Andrea, Lee or Sally at the Visitor Information Centre on 5460 4511 or 0438 868 420 or email visitorinfo@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au

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Business Recovery Programs 

Teamwork

Victorian Country Market

The Stage Government has launched the Victorian Country Market - an e-commerce initiative to promote the best that regional Victoria has to offer. The program provides a digital platform for you to promote your business and receive support from local communities. From Sunday, May 17 suppliers of the best produce, products and services from around regional Victoria will have the opportunity to sell products with the support of an online platform. The market will be a unique, purpose-built site to reflect our Victorian community, and will continue to add new traders after the initial launch. The site will be ongoing, and all fees will be funded by the Victorian government over the next 12 months. To find out more and to register to be part of the market Click Here 

Campaign to support local restaurants, hotels, clubs and cafes

Taylors Wines and Support Local is calling on all venues across Australia to visit www.localnightin.com.au and fill out the form to provide information about their venue’s at-home dining and drinking options available. Hundreds of venues have already thrown their support behind the campaign and registered with Support Local, a website dedicated to listing local restaurants who are currently operating and providing food and drink for their community during COVID-19. 

The #LocalNightIn campaign will showcase the wide variety of restaurants, hotels, clubs and cafes on the list that are offering special takeaway, pick-up and delivery options to people in their local area. The list will then be used as part of a consumer-friendly platform for at-home diners to access and learn about the venues in their area that are still open for business.

Free online platform for Food and Beveridge Businesses ‘Fair Foodie’

The Fair Foodie platform allows vendors to sign up, free of charge, and create their own personalised digital shopfront. Each profile features images, videos, descriptions, products and pricing managed completely by the vendor. Vendors also have the opportunity to utilise the secure e-commerce facility should they wish to introduce online sales. Visit the website HERE

Small Business Roadmap resource: This resource by Deloitte looks like a highly practical self-help program for small to medium businesses to map out a path to recovery: Small Business Roadmap for Recovery and Beyond Workbook 

External Business Support Contacts

  •  Australian Government information and support for businesses: 13 28 46 and https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses  
  • Australian Tax Office emergency support infoline: 1800 806 218
  • Victorian Government’s economic survival and jobs package,  hotline 13 22 15 
  • Victorian Government’s coronavirus business support, including the latest on business operations 
  • Victorian Chamber of Commerce resources for business ph: 8662 5333
  • Business Victoria - Coronavirus Business Support 
  • Agriculture Victoria: Bendigo - 5442 7818, Ballarat - 5333 3233
  • Committee for Economic Development of Australia - 9662 3544 

 

Industry Peak Bodies COVID-19 Response Information

  • Restaurant and Catering Australia
  • Australian Grape and Wine
  • Australian Farmers
  • National Retail Association
  • Tourism Accommodation Australia
  • Tourism Australia
  • Caravan Industry
  • Australian Maritime Safety Authority
  • Australian Industry Group
  • Australian Construction Association
  • Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body
  • The Australian Fishing Trade Association
  • Australian Federation of Travel Agents

Council Business Survey Results

Thanks again to those of you who took the time to complete our business impact survey in March 2020. Your responses, along with the feedback from direct phone calls, is helping us to gain a picture of what is happening on the ground as this shock to our economy as well as our personal lives makes its impact felt.

Below is a summary of feedback from the 66 survey responses received by Friday 3 April:

  • A high proportion of responses came from the Food and Drink Industry and overall most businesses – approximately 75% - were still operating. 
  • A large proportion of businesses are being impacted by the pandemic, with economic impacts being noted as reduced turnover, the high downturn in trade, no bookings, reduction in employee hours and fewer jobs being booked. 
  • The emotional impacts were noted as high stress.  Up to 30% of respondents have had to stand down staff. 
  • It is perceived business prospects will continue to be impacted by the pandemic, with concerns about the closure, financial impact, losses, lack of staff and a movement of products and services online.  Elements that may impact recovery include finance, regulations, access to staff and utility services.
  • Businesses in the Shire were being innovative and adapting to the situation, with some businesses using this time to educate themselves or extend aspects of their business or change their business model to facilitate delivery services or live training. 
  • There were numerous strategies being utilised by businesses to respond to the pandemic, some saying they were taking it day by day, or week by week. Terms such as ‘survival’ or ‘hibernation’ were common. 
  • There was a positive note with a number of respondents stating they believe it will be ‘business as usual’ once the pandemic has passed.
  • Respondents were showing high compliance with the government's COVID-19 requirements, using social distancing, PPE or undertaking training (the Dept. of Health E-Cert).
  • People responding to both the survey and to direct calls indicated that they appreciated being contacted by Council at this time.