Darebin businesses most affected by recent public health lockdowns have received millions of dollars in direct support from the Victorian Government.

More than $10 billion in direct economic support has been delivered to businesses across Victoria over the course of the pandemic, including $4.2 billion in cash grants paid to more than 145,000 businesses since the May/June restrictions period.

The Victorian Government has provided $89,939,000 in direct economic support between 31 May and 3 September to more than 4262 Darebin businesses in industries ranging from hospitality to non-essential retail, accommodation, events, hairdressing and beauty services.

Through targeted programs such as the Business Costs Assistance Program and the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund, the Government is delivering direct support to businesses that are playing a vital role in the fight against the fast-moving Delta variant.

On Sunday, 4 September, the Victorian and Commonwealth governments announced a jointly-funded package of up to $2.34 billion to provide certainty to 175,000 Victorian businesses across September.

Business Costs Assistance Program payments will be automatically made at rates of $2,800, $5,600 and $8,400 a week, depending on payroll size, to eligible businesses over September – deposited fortnightly.

Eligible cafes, restaurants and bars will continue to receive Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund payments of between $5,000 and $20,000 per week.

The $700 million Small Business Covid Hardship Fund provides $20,000 to eligible businesses who do not qualify for other Government programs and is open to all Victorian businesses, regardless of location.

More than 26,000 Hardship Fund grants have so far been paid to businesses that have experienced a reduction in revenue of at least 70 per cent due to the effects of the pandemic.

Support for small and medium-sized businesses also extends to the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme, which requires landlords to provide proportionate rent relief for businesses with a turnover of less than $50 million that have experienced a fall in turnover of 30 per cent or greater, regardless of location.

For more information on support programs for Victorian businesses visit business.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Member for Northcote, Kat Theophanous

“Throughout the pandemic, I’ve worked closely with our local businesses and know how incredibly tough this period has been for them.”

“I’ve been immensely pleased to see so many local businesses access these targeted and meaningful supports. And we’re making sure they have the best chance of moving through the restrictions period and recovering strongly.”

“Our local traders are in every way a part of the vibrancy of the inner north, creating that sense of shared experience and identity we are all so proud of. As we head into a new phase of this pandemic with increased vaccinations, I’ll continue to work to support our local businesses, local jobs and local economy.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry Support and Recovery Martin Pakula

“We will continue to respond swiftly to changing circumstances and back businesses across the state.”

“This support reflects how important small and medium-sized businesses are to Victoria’s economic wellbeing and social strength.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford

“We’re continuing to support our hardest-hit sectors and businesses, to ensure they can keep paying their expenses as we work towards reaching vaccination levels which will allow us to open in a safe way.”