1. The Business Costs Assistance Program

This support grant will offer eligible business $2,500 or $5,000.

Businesses that receive a grant under the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 are not eligible for a grant under this program however businesses that were eligible for previous COVID-19 business support programs are eligible to apply for a grant under this program.

The grant amount payable to an eligible business is determined by:

1. the business’ industry sector (see Eligible ANZSIC classes)
2. the business’ location:

• businesses that were subject to restrictions between 28 May 2021 up to and including 3 June 2021 will be eligible for funding of $2,500
• businesses that were subject to restrictions between 28 May 2021 up to and including 3 June 2021 and further restrictions from 4 June 2021 will be eligible for funding of $5,000.

To be eligible, businesses must

• be located within Victoria
• operate in an eligible sector listed in the list of eligible ANZSIC classes for this program
• have incurred direct costs because of the restrictions and cannot fully operate remotely
• have an annual Victorian payroll of up to $10 million in 2019-20 on an ungrouped basis
• have been registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Thursday 27 May 2021
• hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and have held that ABN at Thursday 27 May 2021
• be registered with the responsible Federal or State regulator.

Information you need for your application

When applying for this grant you will need:

• a valid Australian business number (ABN)
• if you employ people, your WorkCover Employer Number (WEN)(WRN)
• a valid proof of identity document (Australian driver licence, Australian Passport, Medicare Card and Australian visa information and foreign passport).

Applicants with multiple businesses

You can only apply for one grant per ABN. If you have separate ABNs for your businesses, you must submit separate applications for each ABN. Each business or ABN must satisfy all the eligibility criteria.

Applications close  11:59pm Thursday 24 June 2021.

2. Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund

The $70 million Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 supports eligible licensed hospitality venues.

To be eligible for a grant, an applicant must also:

• operate a licensed bar, restaurant, pub, club, hotel, café or reception centre that is registered to serve food and alcohol (Premises) located in Victoria on 27 May 2021
• hold a general or late night (general), full club, restaurant and cafe, producer’s or on-premises or late night (on-premises) liquor licence as of 27 May 2021
• provide a Class 2 or 3 Service Sector Certificate of Registration under the Food Act 1984 that is valid in 2021 for serving food on the same premises
• be registered for goods and services tax (GST) on 27 May 2021
• hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and have held that ABN at 27 May 2021
• be registered with the responsible Commonwealth or Victorian regulator.

Grant amount

Eligible businesses will receive $3,500 per premises in regional Victoria.

Eligible businesses will receive $7,000 per premises in metropolitan Melbourne.

The funds may be used to assist with:

• • meeting business costs, including utilities, wages or rent
  • seeking financial, legal, or other advice to support business continuity planning
  • developing the business through marketing and communications activities
  • any other supporting activities related to the operation of the business.

To be eligible for a grant, an applicant must:

• operate a licensed bar, restaurant, pub, club, hotel, café, or reception centre that is registered to serve food and alcohol (Premises) located in Victoria on 27 May 2021
• hold a general or late night (general), full club, restaurant and cafe, producer’s or on-premises or late night (on-premises) liquor licence as of 27 May 2021
• provide a Class 2 or 3 Service Sector Certificate of Registration under the Food Act 1984 that is valid in 2021 for serving food on the same premises
• be registered for goods and services tax (GST) on 27 May 2021
• hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and have held that ABN at 27 May 2021
• be registered with the responsible Commonwealth or Victorian regulator.

Information you need for your application

Applicants must provide:

• a copy of Class 2 or 3 Service Sector Certificate of Registration under the Food Act 1984 issued by the local council, which must be valid for 2021 and specify the same premises as identified on the Licensee’s liquor licence
• details of current proof of identity document.

Proof of identity documents must be one of the following:

• a driver licence or learner permit issued in any Australian jurisdiction
• an Australian passport
• a Medicare card
• a foreign passport for those issued with an Australian visa.