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August Edition
- COVID-19 update and assistance
- East Gippsland Business Awards 2021
- Community feedback - Rural Land Use Strategy
- Business support and grants
- Information for agribusinesses
- Information for tourism businesses
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COVID-19 update and assistance
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New support announced for Victorian businesses
The Victorian Government has announced further financial support for businesses that continue to be affected by the current COVID-19 lockdowns. The Victorian Government has announced a $400 million package, jointly funded by the Commonwealth Government, that will provide automatic payments to almost 100,000 eligible businesses in Victoria, including sole traders.
Further hardship funds will be made available to eligible businesses that do not qualify for existing programs. The five key elements that make up the support package are outlined below.
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Business Costs Assistance Program
Under the new State-Commonwealth business support package more than 90,000 businesses will be automatically paid a Business Costs Assistance Program Round Three grant of $2,800.
Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund
New payments of $5,000 to $20,000 will be made to more than 8,900 hospitality venues across Victoria that received funding support from the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund through the May/June and July lockdowns. Payments will be automatic and graded by venue capacity.
Alpine Business Support Program
Alpine businesses will receive between $5,000 (off-mountain) and $20,000 (employing businesses, on mountain) under an extension of the Alpine Business Support Program.
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Small Business COVID Hardship Fund
An additional $54 million will be added to the Small Business COVID Hardship Fund, allowing grants of up to $8,000 to be paid to small businesses that are not eligible for support under existing programs and have experienced a 70 per cent reduction in turnover.
COVID-19 Disaster Payments
Eligible workers who lose hours due to the lockdown will be eligible for support through the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment, as will businesses that do not qualify for Victorian Government support programs because they are not registered for GST.
More information about these programs will be available at business.vic.gov.au.
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Rent relief for commercial tenants
In addition to the support package, the Victorian Government yesterday announced businesses that have experienced a loss in turnover of more than 30 per cent during the pandemic are now guaranteed to receive rent reductions, while separate support will be provided to landlords. Tenants and landlords can contact the Victorian Small Business Commission for more information on 13 87 22.
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Wellbeing and mental health support
It is important you know how to look after your own mental health, as well as that of your employees. Mental health support for Victorian small business owners dealing with the challenges of COVID-19 include:
Partners in Wellbeing provides business owners access to financial counsellors and business advisors.
Telehealth services are available if you or your employees need additional mental health support.
Beyond Blue has tips to help you run your business and information on managing their mental health.
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East Gippsland Business Awards 2021
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Federation University East Gippsland Business Awards 2021 Celebrating 10 Years
East Gippsland Shire Council is proud to announce the upcoming launch of the Federation University East Gippsland Business Awards 2021. The awards are in their 10th year and are a celebration of local business excellence, innovation, development and success. Businesses and business people will be recognised for their contribution to the lifestyle and economy of the East Gippsland region.
Applications open on Thursday 12 August and close Monday 13 September 2021.
Click here for further details and to download your application form. All businesses in East Gippsland are encouraged to apply.
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East Gippsland Shire Council is calling for community feedback on a new draft Rural Land Use Strategy which will guide planning decisions on the future development and subdivision of rural land in the shire.
Agricultural production is a vital part of the East Gippsland economy, yet there has been a trend over the past 20-30 years for the subdivision of rural land and housing development that is not associated with agriculture.
Council is seeking to find the right balance between the need to protect our agricultural operations and cater for the demand for rural lifestyle properties.
To view the draft strategy and find out how you can give feedback, visit our "Your Say" portal.
Submissions close Wednesday 25 August.
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New investment programs to back creative industry
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The Victorian Government is backing the creative economy with the launch of two new investment programs aimed at growing jobs, generating more innovative work and creative products and boosting the state’s reputation as a national and global creative leader.
The Creative Enterprises Program will provide four years of investment to established creative organisations and businesses with a record of achievement. The Creative Ventures Program will give creative entities a stable base to grow and plan over two years, investing in a pipeline of innovative creative content, work and activities.
Applications to both programs will open on 12 August and close on 16 September 2021.
Visit creative.vic.gov.au for further details.
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Business support and training
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Don't miss out on grants - East Gippsland GrantGuru
This site provides a comprehensive list of grant and funding opportunities available to you from many sources including; State and Federal Government, corporate and philanthropic.
Visit the East Gippsland GrantGuru
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Postponed - GROW Gippsland Tender Writing Workshop
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The workshop has been moved to 24 August, 5.00 - 6.30pm at the Bairnsdale RSL.
GROW Gippsland is delivering a series of workshops to support local suppliers to understand procurement requirements including tenders and requests for quotation and to position your business to win more work locally. The training will be delivered by procurement specialists with extensive experience managing projects from both the buyer and supplier side.
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Who should attend? Local businesses, business owners and suppliers in East Gippsland who are bidding for work with Government and the private sector.
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The Small Business Bus is coming to Bairnsdale
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Book your free one-on-one mentoring session now to get your business moving here.
Tuesday 31 August - 10.00am - 4.00pm, near Rotunda, 149 Main Street, Bairnsdale
You can also visit the Bus Concierge and collect your Planning and Starting a Business booklet, exclusively available on the Small Business Bus.
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Small Business Mentoring Service - Virtual Clinics
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The Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS) clinics are designed to assist you with planning, starting or growing your business. Council has partnered with SBMS to bring you themed clinic days to help you in your business.
Small Business Clinic – Creating a Digital Presence | Wednesday 18 August 2021 | Online
Small Business Clinic – Marketing Your Business | Thursday 9 September 2021 | Online
Registrations are open!
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Information for agribusinesses
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Gippsland Food and Fibre Awards
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Local food and fibre producers and farm businesses (pre-& post farmgate) in East Gippsland are invited to enter the 2021 Gippsland Food and Fibre Awards.
The program engages, recognises and celebrates businesses that demonstrate innovation/excellence and business practices that maximise productivity and profitability - shaping the future of Gippsland's agribusiness as leaders in Australia and beyond. Watch the awards launch video (1min) here.
Entries close 17 September 2021, with judging rounds and announcements to follow.
For more information and how to enter visit here or contact Kate Foster on Kate.Foster@foodandfibregippsland.com.au.
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Our East Gippsland Shire Council Farmer Survey 2021 is now open, and we invite all farm owners, managers and share farmers to complete the survey. Your input will help us:
- Increase our understanding of issues impacting the agriculture sector
- Assist in advocating to government, industry and other agencies
- Inform business and investment opportunities of infrastructure and support services
- Ensure key agricultural issues are considered when developing policies or allocating resources
The survey has been mailed to all farmers with 40 hectares or more of land. The survey also can be completed online through our engagement "Your Say" portal.
If you do not receive a hard copy and feel you fit the criteria for the survey, please contact our Drought Officer Kaylene Wickham on (03) 5153 9500 or visit any of our customer service centres or libraries.
The survey is open until Tuesday 14 September.
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Information for tourism businesses
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East Gippsland Women in Agriculture and Business
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Expression of interest - 3rd edition of Eat.Drink.Gippsland
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Destination Gippsland invite you to be part of the 3rd edition of the Eat.Drink.Gippsland guide, a must-read guide for visitors and locals about Gippsland’s cafés, restaurants, wineries, breweries, distilleries, food schools, bars and farm gates. This edition will be printed in full colour and distributed throughout Gippsland and in Melbourne.
With a projected readership of 250,000, it will target consumers who seek regional food and drink experiences.
Find out more and fill in the Expression of Interest form here.
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Last Chance - Ken Hore Tourism Mentoring Program
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The Ken Hore Tourism Mentoring Program honours the contribution made by the late Ken Hore to the Gippsland and Phillip Island tourism industry. It does so by providing an annual career development opportunity to young tourism professionals or new entrants in tourism industry, by promoting skills and excellence as well as extending tourism networks and providing a broader understanding of the industry.
Applications close Friday,13 August.
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You can get in touch with the Economic Development Team by phoning 5153 9500 or via email.
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