Throughout the course of 2020, the federal and state governments have put forward a series of grants to help businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic and thrive in our recovery. Make sure your business has taken advantage of all the opportunities and support that has been offered to it.

Small Business Digital Adaption Program

The Small Business Digital Adaption Program is open to Victorian businesses and sole traders to build their digital capability through off-the-shelf digital programs and workshops designed to help adapt to online operations.

Registrations for digital product trials and workshops will remain open until 28 February 2021. Businesses must register before the trial period closes on 28 February 2021. Rebates are available until 31 March 2021. Further information on the program guidelines and the program are available via the Business Victoria website.

Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (round two)

The second round of the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund is closing 5pm 21 January 2021. Australian businesses can apply for grants of $100,000 - $1 million to invest in new manufacturing technologies that will increase productivity, create new jobs, and drive economic growth.

Further information on the program guidelines and the program are available via the Australian Government Business website.

COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program

The COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program is available for travel agents and tour arrangement service providers to support them in dealing with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are open until the 13 March 2021.

Through the program, eligible businesses will be able to access a one-off grant of $1,500 to $100,000 depending on annual GST turnover in the 2019 calendar year. Further information on the program guidelines and how to apply is available via the Services Australia website.

The Business Events Grants Program

In order for businesses to be included in the Schedule of Approved Events, applications for The Business Events Grants program is still open. Expressions of interest will remain open until 26 February but may close sooner to manage demand.

The Business Events Grants program will support Australian businesses by providing grants between $10,000 and $250,000. Grant funding will cover up to 50 per cent of costs incurred in participating at pre-approved business to business events as buyers or sellers during the 2021 calendar year.

Businesses applying for a grant will also need to demonstrate alignment with a priority sector and that the sector benefits from attendance and participation in the event. Further information including the priority sector list is available via the AusTrade website.

Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme

Extended until the 28 March 2021, under this scheme, commercial landlords are required to provide rent relief that matches their eligible tenant’s fall in turnover, and rent increases and evictions are banned. Further information on these changes, and the process for applying including a templated letter that a tenant can send to their landlord to request rent relief, is available from the Victorian Small Business Commissioner’s website.

Multicultural Festivals and Events Program

The Multicultural Festivals and Events (MFE) Program funds multicultural and multifaith community groups to organise cultural festivals and events in their local communities between March and June this year. Applications close 3pm on 3 February 2021. Further information is available via the Victorian Government’s website.

Global Gateway Program

Closing on 17 January 2021, the Global Gateway Program allows Victorian businesses to access a one-off grant of up to $50,000 to identify and engage professional service providers to deliver project activities to support their export recovery. These activities may include marketing and promotion, market access and marketing intelligence. Businesses must make a minimum co-contribution of 20 per cent of the project. Further information is available via the Global Victoria website.

The Building Better Regions Fund

Closing on 5 March 2021, the $1.04 billion Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) supports the Australian Government’s commitment to drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future. For round five, there is a total of $200 million available, with $100 million dedicated to tourism-related infrastructure projects. Further information is available via the Business.gov website.

Solar for Small Business Program

The Solar for Small Business Program is due to roll out early in 2021, with 15,000 rebates offered over 3 years. The program will provide eligible small businesses with up to a 50 per cent rebate of the cost of a solar PV system. There will also be an optional loan provided of equal value.

The Victorian Chamber is working with Solar Victoria to the determine eligibility requirements for the program and are eager to engage with businesses to ensure as many members can benefit as possible. If you are interested in the program, please contact policy@victorianchamber.com.au.

For more information

To access the Victorian Chamber’s guide on grant writing please access our Government Grants page here.