Stimulus packages are ever evolving and changing post COVID-19. To make your life a little easier, we’ve put together this blog as an up-to-date, one-stop-shop for all your current funding/stimulus/support packages. With State and Federal Governments injecting cash back into businesses and individuals pockets to help recover and rebuild after a few tough years, we are now on a road to recovery with the Victorian Government activating a “COVID-19 Reactivation and Recovery Plan”

Most recent stimulus:

The Victorian Government has announced a $200 million stimulus package which is built to support businesses and get people back enjoying food and hospitality experiences across Victoria.

The package will be rolled out from March 2022.

So, let’s talk details.

For Individuals ‍

‘Melbourne Money’ — Dining Vouchers

Dining Vouchers are here! The ‘Melbourne Money’ program is back with the Victorian Government investing $10 million to get people eating delicious food within Melbourne. The program is offering 25% rebate vouchers when people eat out mid-week (from Monday to Thursday) spending between $40 to $500.

This program is now closed.

For more info, visit the City of Melbourne’s Melbourne Money page for more information.

State-Wide Dining

25% rebate vouchers for eating out across the rest of regional Victorian are also available to encourage city folk to get out and explore our beautiful state. Again it’s dining mid-week (from Monday to Thursday) spending between $40 to $500.

This program is expected to open on 29 March 2022.‍

‍Regional and Metropolitan Travel Voucher Scheme

Ready for a holiday? the Regional and Metropolitan Travel Voucher Scheme is offering $200 vouchers are available when Victorians spend at least $400 on eligible tourism and travel. ‍

The program is set to open on the 23 March 2022  and is for travel between 8 April and 27 May.‍

‍Entertainment Voucher Scheme‍

$30 million has been allocated to a new scheme — The Entertainment Voucher Scheme. People can claim rebates for 25% of their purchase for cinemas, theatre, live music, exhibitions, conferences and more! Expected opening on the 29th of March 2022.

For Business

‍Ventilation Voucher Program

This is designed to help businesses with their COVIDSafe plans to improve ventilation and decrease the spread of COVID-19. $500 vouchers will be available to purchase air purifiers, ventilators and other COVIDSafe maintenance. The Victorian Government is investing $60 Million to offer matched grants of up to $5000 for eligible businesses to improve ventilation.

Both opening late March 2022.

Small Business Digital Adaptation Program

The hugely successful Small Business Digital Adaptation Program is back for a third time with Vic Gov investing $5 Million in the program. A $1200 rebate available to allow businesses to purchase digital tools.

These could include online menus and ordering systems, invoicing systems, stock and business management tools and website and e-commerce platforms.

This program will open on 4 April 2022.

Find out more: business.vic.gov.au

‍Business Recovery and Resilience Mentoring Program

Let’s be real, navigating the many changes in business post COVID is tough! The Business Recovery and Resilience Mentoring Program gives access for both business owners and staff to receive mentoring of up to four, two-hour sessions to help navigate the challenges of COVID-19.

This program is delivered with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is open now (March 2022). ‍

Find out more: business.vic.go.au

Wellbeing and Mental Health Support for Victorian Small Businesses

Feeling anxious about business is totally normal, but has definitely been accentuated during and post COVID-19. Need someone to chat to about your business concerns?

Partners in Wellbeing provides one-to-one support, with access to financial counsellors and business advisors for free. Calls can be made to 1300 375 330 Monday to Friday — 9am to 10pm or Saturday, Sunday and public holidays — 9am to 5pm.

‍Jobs Victoria Fund

The Jobs Victoria Fund aims to connect Victorian’s looking for work with businesses in need of staff. This is across hospitality, warehousing, tourism and food processing.

More details to come. This program will open from April 2022.

We'll be updating this blog as things change, so be sure to check back in!