New Victorian Business Grant To Support Businesses Through the 2nd Lock Down

Like you, we are feeling shell shocked at the new Stage 4 restrictions and what it will mean to businesses.  But, we also understand that Victoria is in a unique situation right now and we need to work together to absorb what continues to be a devastating blow to Australia.

If you are unsure how your business may be affected you can check the restrictions list here to see the changes to your Industry. We are very pleased to report that the Victorian Government have expanded the Government Stimulus Grant to support more Victorian Businesses.

What financial help is available to me?

The good news is that the State Government has increased the Business Support Fund Expansion Grant on offer to businesses in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire from $5,000 to $10,000.

For businesses in regional Victoria you are now eligible for the $5,000 Victorian State Government Grant.
To make it even easier, the application date has also been extended to the 14th of September 2020.

Wait, I am confused, is this the same Grant I got back in June?

No, this is addition to the original support funding from earlier in the year and is to support Victoria Business through this second wave of COVID-19.  That means, even if you received $10,000 earlier in the year you can still be eligible for this additional funding right now.

What’s next?

If you are from Melbourne or Mitchell Shire and have already applied for the $5,000 Business Support Fund Expansion Grant, you don’t need to do anything.  Successful applicants will automatically receive the additional $5,000.

If you are in Melbourne or Mitchell Shire and have not already applied, or if you are in Regional Victoria, please take the time to read the below information to see if you are eligible for the Grant.

Businesses can apply when they meet all of the following criteria

The business must:

• be located in the metropolitan Melbourne or Mitchell Shire (to receive $10,000)
• be located in Regional Victoria (to receive $5,000)
• be enrolled in the JobKeeper program
• employ Staff
• be registered with Worksafe on 30 June 2020
• have an Annual Payroll of less than $3 million in 2019-2020 on an ungrouped basis
• be registered for GST as at 30 June 2020
• hold an up to date ABN registration  as at 30 June 2020

Important Notes

Applicants must provide a copy of:

• the business’s operating address by supplying a utility bill (gas, electricity, telephone, water), lease agreement or council rates notice
• Latest ATO JobKeeper Declaration
• Workcover employer number

Sole Traders MUST employ persons other than themselves to be eligible.

Examples of what the grant could be used for are:

• 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

How do I apply?

1. Easy Way – click here below for Suntax to apply for the Business Support Fund on your behalf. The cost to prepare this application is $495 including GST, which is fully refundable if your grant application is not successful.

OR

2. Complete the application form yourself via Business Support Fund

If completing the application yourself, you will need to supply the latest copy of your ATO JobKeeper Declaration with the Receipt ID. If Suntax have processed the JobKeeper for you, this will be attached to the monthly JobKeeper confirmation email from us. This will need to be uploaded into your application along with proof of your business operating address.

All applicants may be subject to audit by the Victorian Government and may be required to produce evidence used in supporting the Application and evidence as to the allocation and use of the grant 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 the grant will be repayable to the Victorian Government.

When do applications open and close?

Applications are open right now and will close on Monday the 14th of September 2020

Here at Suntax we are committed to helping you through this in any way that we can.  While the new information is still coming through we feel it’s important to get these funding opportunities out to you as soon as possible.  Please keep an eye on our socials where we will post if there are any additional clarifications that come out over the next 24-48 hours.

In the meantime, remember our team might be working remotely but we are still available for any questions you might have.

Stay safe & stay masked

The Suntax Team