Find advice, updates and support to help your workplace plan and respond to coronavirus COVID-19 at business.vic.gov.au
Information is also available at the Australian Government's Business page.
Important information for business
The Federal Government has released an overview on their economic response to COVID-19 and we will keep you informed as it rolls out. For more information, refer to the Australian Government's Economic Response to the Coronavirus
In the meantime, there are a number of resources available to you and your business. These resources are there to help you navigate through current challenges while ensuring the health and wellbeing of your staff and visitors.
Small business support packages
https://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/business-support-package
Face covering parameters
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/face-coverings-covid-19
Refusing customers parameters
https://business.gov.au/people/customers/refusing-service
Upskill your business
https://upskill.business.vic.gov.au/?_ga=2.256999755.1125419941.1596419143-286233342.1593728243
A new, free 8-week program, Design and Grow Your Digital Presence, is now available on Upskill My Business (Business Victoria). Delivered by LaTrobe University
https://upskill.business.vic.gov.au/upskill/design-and-grow-your-digital-presence/
Small business mentoring opportunities
https://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/small-business-bus
Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme for tenants and landlords
The office of the Victorian Small Business Comissioner (VBSC) has put together a toolkit to support tenants and landlords who have been impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The toolkit includes:
- steps to take for tenants and landlords
- a proforma letter tenants can use to start the conversation with their landlord
- how to access free mediation with the VSBC to support fair tenancy negotiations under the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme
- scenarios showing how the VBSC can help tenants and landlords that do and do not fall under the Scheme.
For more information visit the VBSC Commercial Tenancy webpage
Working for Victoria
The Victorian government's Working for Victoria initiative helps Victorians, including people who have lost their jobs as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19), find paid work that supports our community.
The program currently has three components:
Working for Victoria – Businesses
Provides assistance to employers to identify their business needs and will help with finding people across Victoria with the right skills and experience.
Working for Victoria – Jobseekers
Working for Victoria is working with the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to identify employment opportunities for jobseekers. A new jobs and skills matching portal is now operational.
Agriculture Workforce Plan
The $50 million Agriculture Workforce Plan supports the agriculture, food production and food supply chain sectors meet their labour needs. Support will be provided to relocate and accommodate new workers if required. Assistance with training to induct workers into new job roles will also be available. Visit Working for Victoria for more information.
Health information for business
We encourage all businesses to follow the advice from the Department of Health and Human Services. Your business and its employees should follow the advice on hygiene and sanitation.
Plan for a safe return to work
My Busines Covid-safe Plan is a free online tool developed by Worksafe can help you develop a plan to keep employees, customers and the community safe as you reopen or increase activities in the weeks and months ahead. It does compliment resources through the Safe Work Australia online hub www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
Free online digital workshops by ASBAS and Melbourne Innovation Centre
All face to face business seminars have been cancelled for the forseeable future due to COVID-19 distancing measures.
Free replacement online workshops are being offered three times a week by ASBAS and Melbourne Innovation Centre. This is a great opportunity to keep (or get) up-skilled in the comfort of your own home or office. Visit the Melbourne Innovation Centre website for more information.
New Business Resilience program
This Melbourne Innovation Centre program is designed to assist Victorian small businesses affected by COVID-19. Support includes free access to virtual mentoring, online workshops, and resources.
Topics covered in both mentoring and workshops are pertinent to the impacts of COVID-19 on small business. This includes strategy and resilience, finance and technology, customers and marketing, human resources, and mental health and wellbeing.
For more information, please call 9490 1402, email getsupport@melbourneinnovation.com.au, or visit the Business Resilience program website.
Business Resilience Mentors
The Melbourne Innovation Centre also has mentors experienced in business resilience. With your mentor, you might choose to cover:
- Developing a business continuity plan
- Identifying new directions and income streams
- Transitioning your business activities online
- Staying connected with customers during lockdown
- Financial assistance for small businesses impacted by COVID-19
- Apps to boost your productivity
Visit the Business Resilience Mentors page to view all their experts, their unique expertise and to book you appointment.
Workplace impacts
The Australian and Victorian Chambers have produced an Employer Guide for managing the workplace in the face of the outbreak.
Information for tourism businesses
Visit the Tourism Australia website for the latest travel related updates.
The Australian Government's Department of Health has information for hotels and hotel staff, as well as for hotel guests.
Help for staff
Are you unable to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic? Help is available. Go to the Australian Government's page for people who need a payment due to COVID-19
Take care of your mental health during challenging times.