Absence makes the heart grow fonder and, I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to a time when lockdowns are gone and we get back to enjoying the Victoria that we love.

Welcome to the August edition of Chief Executive Paul Guerra's monthly regional column - covering issues, news and developments important to Victoria’s regional businesses.

The Victorian Chamber is pleased that the State and Federal Governments have again come together to announce a further $807 million in support for Victorian businesses to get through the second extension of Lockdown Six.

The State and Federal Governments have jointly announced a further $2.32 billion in financial support for Victorian businesses struggling during Lockdown Six.

The State and Federal Governments have today announced a joint financial assistance package for Victorian business which will give them the support and confidence they need to rebound from Lockdowns Four and Five.

On our first day out of lockdown, the Federal and Victorian Governments have announced a further $400 million in business support measures. Here is everything you and your business need to know.

The Victorian Chamber has today launched a new member-exclusive service, the Grant Finder online tool, to make it quicker and easier for Victorian businesses to access grants applicable to their operations and projects.

From sole traders to large businesses, members of the Victorian Chamber will never again miss an opportunity to take advantage of government support with this exclusive tool.

None of us want to be in this position. Our leaders don't want to be here either. But here we are. We've been living in crisis mode for 17 months and it's taking its toll on all of us.

It has been estimated that in the next four years, over six million digital workers will be required across Australia to keep up with the rapid technological evolution.

The VCCI is excited to announce our latest service for our members: Grant Finder. Find every government grant and support available to help you build, grow, and expand your business.

Being in small business is a constant process of learning and development. With the help of her mentor, Dog&Boy founder Sonya Michele is now looking to grow her small business.

CEO of The Kahan Group and owner of The George on Collins, Greg Kahan shares his story about how the CBD venue has kept afloat during the hardest of times for CBD businesses.

VCCI Chief Executive Paul Guerra, looks to the future and explains why Victoria “can’t go back to the old ways of doing things” in his address to the Melbourne Press Club.

The Federal Government has announced an expansion of Australia’s Priority Migration Skilled Occupations List (PMSOL) following a collective advocacy campaign from the business community.

The ongoing restrictions in Victoria continue to hamper our hospitality, events and entertainment sectors. This won’t keep happening if we all get vaccinated.