Financial support
Business and Community Sport Flood Recovery Grants
A grant of up to $50,000 for eligible businesses, not-for-profit and community sport and active recreation organisations directly affected by the Victorian floods, to cover expenses resulting from significant direct damage to an applicant’s property, assets, stock or equipment.
Eligible businesses and organisations must be located within a local government area (LGA) declared under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement.
Please note: you are no longer required to have received funding under the Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program or Community Sport Emergency Flood Assistance Program before applying for a Flood Recovery Grant. These programs closed on Tuesday 7 February 2023.
If you have already received a $5000 grant from either the Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program or Community Sport Emergency Flood Assistance Program, this amount will be included in any funds provided under this program.
If you were unsuccessful in applying to either of these $5000 programs, you will not be eligible for a Business and Community Sport Flood Recovery Grant.
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment
A lump sum payment ($1000 per adult, $400 per child under 16), for people in eligible local government areas (LGAs) to help with major damage to properties and assets or who have been seriously injured.
Learn more and apply on the Services Australia website.
Australian Government Disaster Recovery Allowance
Income support payments to employees, primary producers and sole traders who can demonstrate they have experienced a loss of income as a direct result of the floods in Victoria. If you’re eligible, you’ll get fortnightly payments for up to 13 weeks up to the applicable rate of JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance, depending on the person's circumstances.
Learn more and apply on the Services Australia website.
Clean-up program during the Victorian floods
Available for everyone affected by the floods. It does not matter if a building or structure is insured or not.
This program includes:
- free structural assessments for affected properties and businesses
- removal of street debris.
For information or to apply, see vic.gov.au/clean-program.
Victorian Government Primary Producer Recovery Grants
Up to $75,000 grants to cover the cost of recovery and get businesses up and running again.
Note: This replaces the $10,000 Primary Producer Flood Clean–Up, Relief Grants announced on 19 October. Producers that have received a Primary Producer Flood Clean–Up Relief Grant of $10,000 can now apply for up to a further $65,000 under the Primary Producer Recovery Grant, bringing the total to $75,000.
Learn more and apply on the Agriculture Victoria website.
Victorian Government Primary Producer Concessional Loan
Up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged equipment and infrastructure, or to cover short-term business expenses.
Learn more and apply on the Agriculture Victoria website.
Victorian Government Primary Producer Transport Subsidies
Up to $15,000 to support the transport of emergency fodder or stock drinking water, and the movement of livestock.
Learn more and apply on the Agriculture Victoria website.
Rural Financial Counselling Service
Free financial counselling to farmers and small businesses who are in or at risk of financial hardship. Call 1300 771 741.
Visit the Rural Financial Counselling Service website.
Mental health support
Partners in Wellbeing Helpline
Partners in Wellbeing is a free and confidential helpline available seven days a week. Speak to trained financial counsellors, business advisers and wellbeing coaches for confidential 1:1 support. Call 1300 375 330.
Help with navigating business support
Victorian Government Business Relief Service
As part of the Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program, one-on-one support is available from a local business relief adviser to guide business owners through the available Commonwealth, state and local supports. They can also help you manage insurance and landlord issues, assess impacts and form strategies for recovery. Business relief advisers will be available via telephone and on the ground.
To access the Business Relief Service, register online or call the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15 and they will connect you with dedicated relief advice and support. For hotline hours, please see our Contact us page. If you require a translator, please let the operator know and they will call the Translating and Interpreting Service.
For immediate assistance
You can also contact the providers below to begin your recovery process. These providers have disaster and emergency information on their websites.
Business Victoria | Flood and storm recovery – advice, checklist, tools and templates. Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program | |
Victorian State Emergency Service | Flood, storm emergency first responders, flood preparedness and community safety programs | |
Victorian Department of Families Fairness and Housing | Personal Hardship Assistance Program. | |
Rural Financial Counselling Service | Free, independent financial advice and support. | |
MoneySmart (ASIC) | Free, independent help to make the most of your money. | |
Commonwealth Disaster Assist | Australian Government assistance packages. | |
Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) | Advice on employment conditions and leave arrangements. | |
Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry | Business support and advice on workplace relations. | |
CPA Australia | Advice and checklists. | |
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) | Managing tax obligations following a disaster. | |
Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) | Fee relief including review of late lodgement and payment. | |
Tourism Industry Resources | Crisis resources to help regional tourism industry. | |
Small Business Mentoring Service | One-on-one business relief advice for small business. |