Bushfire recovery for business

Support, services and information for businesses affected by and recovering from Victorian bushfires can vary based on the specific nature and location of the event.

This page will be regularly updated with new information as it becomes available.

Business and industry support

The following organisations can help support your business with recovery after a bushfire, flood, storm or drought.

Small Business Mentoring Service

Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS) is an incorporated not-for-profit association that provides mentoring and business recovery advice to small business.

To book a session call 1300 816 817 or visit the SBMS website.

Agriculture Victoria

Agriculture Victoria has information on bushfire preparation and recovery including a free fire toolkit and a list of emergency contacts.

Learn more on the Bushfires section of the Agriculture Victoria website.

Regional Development Victoria

Regional Development Victoria (RDV) offices located across regional Victoria are a local contact point for businesses wanting to access the programs and services provided by RDV. RDV offices can also provide information about other government services, grants and contacts that may assist regional businesses and organisations.

Visit the RDV website.

Victorian Small Business Commission

The Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) is available to help with any issues that may arise with business contracts including retail leases.

The VSBC can help small business owners resolve disputes quickly and at no cost. Examples of support include providing early help or arranging mediation where there is a dispute over a retail lease or where a business may not have been paid for the goods and services they supplied.

Phone: 1800 878 964
Email: enquiries@vsbc.vic.gov.au
Visit the VSBC website

Insurance claims and disputes

Step 1: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible about how to make a claim.

Step 2: Contact the Insurance Council of Australia (phone 1800 734 621) if you have questions about your policy or don't know who your insurer is.

Step 3: Speak to your insurer before you attempt or authorise any building work, including emergency repairs. Request the insurer’s permission in writing, as unauthorised work may not be covered by your policy.

Step 4: Before you start your clean-up take photos or videos of damage to your property and contents / possessions to support your claim.

During disasters, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) disaster hotline may be activated to assist policyholders if they are uncertain of their insurance details or have general inquiries about the claims process. (Please note: this is not a claims lodgement service). For information during disasters, check the ICA media releases.

Articles with practical information on what to do during and after a disaster can be found on the Insurance Council of Australia website.

Financial support

The following organisations have support available for financial hardships after a fire. Major banks and some small banks also provide assistance.

Mental health support

Bushfire can have an impact on the mental health and wellbeing of you and your staff.

For immediate support, the Partners in Wellbeing helpline (1300 375 330) offers eligible small businesses free and confidential assistance to business owners. Trained financial counsellors, business advisers, and wellbeing coaches are ready to provide one-on-one assistance today.

Additionally, you can explore a wide range of tools, resources, and information on our Workplace Wellbeing Hub.

Better Health has valuable information to help you understand the emotional harm that may be caused by surviving a traumatic event.

Other resources