A jointly funded Federal and State Governments grant opened today for small to medium businesses that have been impacted by the restrictions.

In order to be eligible for this grant your business must –

• have been severely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions that have been in place between 27 May 2021 and August 2021
• have experienced at least a 70% reduction in turnover as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions
• be ineligible for other key COVID-19 Victorian Government business grant programs that have been announced since 27 May 2021.

This includes businesses that are able to operate but COVID-19 restrictions preclude them from generating revenue, for example:

• my key customer was required to close (e.g. food and beverage manufacturers that supply closed venues)
• the location or type of business meant that access to my customers was severely impacted
• my customers cancelled bookings or orders.

Your business must be able to demonstrate a reduction in turnover over any two-week period between 27 May 2021 and 10 September 2021 compared to any two week period between 27 May 2019 and 10 September 2019.

If your business received any of the grants listed below, it is ineligible for this hardship fund:-

• 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)

In order to apply for this grant, you must supply, with the application, a signed letter from an independent qualified accountant, registered tax agent or registered BAS agent.

If you need any assistance, Think Accountants are able to assist.