How do I apply?
You can apply via the Business Victoria Grants Portal.
You will need to address the selection criteria and include a capability statement, a project budget and timeline in your application. More information is available in the program guidelines.
Applications will close at 11:59pm on Tuesday 31 October or when funds are exhausted, whichever happens first.
How do I know if my project meets the program objectives?
Projects under this program should aim to reactivate their small business sector impacted by the Victorian floods. Business Groups must support a membership of businesses located in local government areas designated for assistance under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Program objectives include to:
- enable local business recovery, restart, and collaboration
- educate, inform, and empower small businesses
- support small businesses to rebuild capability
- rebuild the resilience of small business owners.
How does the assessment process work?
A panel will assess all applications against the following weighted criteria:
- How well the project meets the desired objectives of the program (60%)
- The extent to which the project enables local business recovery, restart and collaboration.
- The extent to which the project educates, informs and empowers small businesses.
- The extent to which the project can support small businesses to rebuild capability.
- The extent to which the project rebuilds the resilience of small business owners.
- The capability and capacity of the applicant to deliver the project (40%).
There will be 3 assessment periods under the program:
- June (applications submitted before 10 June) – outcome expected July
- August (applications submitted before 10 August) – outcome expected September
- October (applications submitted before 31 October) – outcome expected November
We will endeavour to advise applicants of their outcome in the month indicated but there may be delays if your application is incomplete or does not meet the eligibility criteria.
For more information on the criteria and assessment process, please refer to the program guidelines.
What is a Business Group?
A Business Group is a not-for-profit member-based organisation whose purpose is representing, servicing and advocating for its business members. This includes chambers of commerce, trader groups, industry associations, business councils, networking groups or other registered business collectives.
Why are you providing funding to Business Groups?
Business Groups play a critical leadership role in their local communities which is essential during a recovery period. They can deliver a project that brings businesses together in a joint reactivation and rebuilding effort that benefits the whole business and broader community.
How many grants are available?
There is no set number of grants available. Grants of $20,000 and $50,000 (excl GST) are available to eligible Business Groups and will be awarded on a ‘first-in, first-served’ basis for projects that meet the assessment criteria. Applications will close on Tuesday 31 October or earlier if funds are exhausted.
If I’m successful, will I receive the full grant upfront?
No. The grant will be paid in two payments as follows:
- 80% when the grant agreement is signed
- 20% once the project is completed and the final report has been submitted.
What is the difference between the $50,000 grant and the $20,000 grant?
The $20,000 grant is available for eligible Business Groups.
The $50,000 grant is available for eligible Business Groups that support a membership of businesses which experienced Acute Impact in the Victorian floods.
We may consider an Acute Impact grant where the Business Group can attest:
- more than half of its member businesses have been severely or extremely impacted by the Victorian floods,
or - the proposed project will be delivered in an area where more than half of local businesses have been severely or extremely impacted by the Victorian floods.
How do I apply for the $50,000 grant?
If you believe your Business Group qualifies for a $50,000 grant as it supports a membership of businesses that experienced Acute Impact in the Victorian floods, the person that submits the online application must attest on behalf of the Business Group that:
- more than half of its member businesses have been severely or extremely impacted by the Victorian floods,
or - the proposed project will be delivered in an area where more than half of local businesses have been severely or extremely impacted by the Victorian floods.
What does ‘Acute Impact’ mean?
For the purposes of this program, Acute Impact means businesses that have been Extremely Impacted or Severely Impacted by the Victorian floods.
What do ‘Severely Impacted’ and ‘Extremely Impacted’ mean?
Severely impacted means a business has been significantly disrupted in its everyday business, with most operations impacted but with an ability to continue some of its usual activities.
Extremely impacted means a business has been completely inundated or forced to close, with total disruption to its regular operations and inability to conduct its usual activities.
Can I apply for a Business Groups Flood Recovery Grant if it’s for the same project I received funding for under the Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program?
Yes. Applications to extend or repeat a project funded under the Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program must demonstrate the additional benefit that will be provided for small businesses impacted by the Victorian floods.
Recipients of grants under the Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program are eligible to apply for a grant under this program if they have completed all tasks and performed all obligations under previous grant agreements, including the acquittal of funds and submitting any final reports to the department.
What types of projects will be considered eligible under the program?
Project activities may be delivered virtually or face-to-face and take any format, including:
- ‘buy local’ campaign or event
- networking and collaboration opportunities
- workshops and short courses
- online training and webinars
- employee skill and capability development
- in-language business events
- app licensing or website development
- cyber security upskilling (to protect data during an emergency)
- jobs summit or business expo.
My application was unsuccessful. Can I apply again?
Yes, you may apply again. Please ensure you have read the eligibility criteria and assessment framework before re-applying. If you have any questions about the program or application process, email us at businessrecovery@business.vic.gov.au or contact Business Victoria.
An eligible Business Group as defined by its ABN can only receive one grant. Business Groups may apply more than once to the program but are limited to one grant.
Applications are assessed on a first-in, first-served basis and will close at 11:59pm on Tuesday 31 October, or earlier if funds are exhausted.
I need help submitting my application, what should I do?
For assistance with your application, please email businessrecovery@business.vic.gov.au or contact Business Victoria.
What other support is available to flood-impacted businesses?
If you or your member businesses need further advice or assistance, the Business Relief Service offers free and confidential one-on-one support from a local business relief adviser via telephone and face-to-face.
Business Relief Advisers can connect you to relevant support services and help you with your next steps towards recovery. To arrange a call from a Business Relief Adviser, register online or contact Business Victoria.
You can find more information about support for flood-affected businesses on the Business Victoria website.