How do I know if I’m eligible for the Business Continuity Fund payment?

You are eligible for the Business Continuity Fund payment if you:

  1. have successfully received a grant from the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two or the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two July Extension; and
  2. belong to one of the 24 eligible sectors that were affected by additional capacity limits when reopening in late July 2021 under COVID-19 restrictions, including gyms, cafés, restaurants, event businesses, caterers, and hairdressers.

You do not need to do anything else. The Business Continuity Fund payment will be processed automatically and paid in mid-August 2021.

How can I ensure I’m eligible for top-up payments?

To receive top-up payments under the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two or July Extension, businesses must continue to meet the eligibility criteria for the program from which they received an initial grant.

See the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two and Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two July Extension for more information about the programs’ eligibility criteria.

Are regional businesses eligible for the Business Continuity Fund payment?

Yes. Eligible businesses in both regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne will receive the Business Continuity Fund payment.

What do I need to do to receive the Business Continuity Fund payment?

You don’t need to do anything else. Recipients will be contacted from mid-August to confirm they will receive a payment. Business Continuity Fund payments will be processed automatically.

If I receive the Business Continuity Fund payment, how much money will I receive in total?

Eligible businesses will receive $5000.

Eligible businesses in Melbourne’s CBD will receive an additional $2000 ($7000 total).

Please note these two payments will be made separately.

I have not received a decision about my Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two or Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two July Extension grant application. Will I receive the Business Continuity Fund payment?

You will receive the Business Continuity Fund payment if:

  • you are successful for a grant from the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two or the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two July Extension; and
  • your business is registered in one of the 24 eligible ANZSIC classes that were affected by additional capacity limits when reopening in late July 2021 under COVID-19 restrictions.

I received a grant under the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two or July Extension program but I’ve stopped receiving automatic top-up payments. Why has this happened?

Before processing top-up payments, we verify your business’ information with partner agencies, including the State Revenue Office (SRO), WorkSafe and the Australian Business Register (ABR) to ensure businesses still meet the eligibility requirements of the program.

Your top-up payments may have been discontinued if you no longer meet all the eligibility criteria, for example if your ABN is no longer active.

If you believe you are still eligible to receive top-up payments, or would like further information, you can contact Business Victoria or call the hotline on 13 22 15, open seven days a week.

Can I receive the Business Continuity Fund payment as well as the Tourism Supplement and previous Top-Up payments?

Yes. All grant recipients of the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two that operate in one of the 24 eligible sectors will receive the Business Continuity Fund payment as well as:

Successful grant recipients of the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two July Extension that operate in an eligible sector will receive the Business Continuity Fund payment automatically. The Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two July Extension is open for applications until 11:59pm on Friday 13 August 2021.

I would like to apply for the Business Continuity Fund payment, but I didn’t apply for the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two. What do I need to do?

You can apply for the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two July Extension, which is open for applications until 11:59pm on Friday 13 August 2021.

This provides eligible businesses that did not apply for the Business Cost Assistance Program Round Two, or have since become eligible, with the opportunity to apply for the equivalent of the July Top-Up payments.

Successful applicants who are eligible for the Business Continuity Fund payment will be paid automatically. This may be paid separately to the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two July Extension grant.

Which postcodes in Melbourne’s CBD will be eligible for the additional $2000 payment?

  • 3000 (Melbourne)
  • 3005 (World Trade Centre)
  • 3006 (Southbank)
  • 3008 (Docklands)

I’m not eligible, what help can I access?

  • If you are a sole trader or microbusiness seeking information or advice about COVID-19 support, you can call our dedicated Concierge Service for assistance.
  • Individuals who have lost hours or income may also be eligible for financial support through the Commonwealth Government’s COVID‑19 Disaster Payment.
  • The Partners in Wellbeing Helpline is a confidential, one-on-one service providing support for small business owners and employees through trained wellbeing coaches, financial counsellors and business advisors.
  • The Small Business COVID Hardship Fund and the reintroduced Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme will both be available soon. Subscribe to the Business Victoria Update newsletter for updates on these and other business support programs.