Victoria Industry Support Minister Martin Pakula has announced a $367 million support package for businesses in lockdown which has been provided in cooperation with the Commonwealth.
“Under the Business Cost Assistance program ... there is an additional $271 million for $2,800 grants to ... previous recipients of the Business Cost Assistance program,” Mr Pakula said.
“That includes gyms, cafes, restaurants, catering services, hairdressers, dance and swim schools, tourism businesses, event businesses."
He said these payments will be made automatically within the coming week.
He also said there will be an additional top-up of the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund of $55 million which will also be automatic.
He said the threshold for venues to receive a $10,000 grant is being reduced from 199 patrons down to 100 due to feedback received from restaurants.
“So it's $5,000 up to 99, $10,000 for between 100 and 499, and $20,000 for venues with a capacity of 500 plus."
He said an additional $41 million has been added to the already-announced Small Business COVID Hardship Fund.
“That was $139 million, that goes to $180 million.
“That will allow grants now of $10,000, it was previously at $8,000, and that will support up to 18,000 businesses across the state, that is a flat rate - metro and regional - in recognition of the fact that they are businesses who have not previously been eligible to apply for support programs."
He said this will be for businesses who have been “allowed to trade but which have been severely affected nevertheless”.
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