Are not-for-profits eligible to apply?

Yes. Not-for-profit entities registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission are eligible to apply.

I’ve submitted my ABN via the ABN Checker but received a message saying I may not be eligible. What are my options?

This message contains a link to the Business Victoria grants page which has information about other business support programs.

To be eligible for the program, you must meet the following criteria:

• operate a business located in Victoria since or before 28 March 2021
• hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• have continuously held the ABN since or before 28 March 2021.

Please check the ABN you provided is correct and that your business meets the program eligibility criteria. If you still believe you are eligible for this program, please call Business Victoria on 13 22 15 or submit an enquiry. Please state the enquiry is related to Small Business Digital Adaptation Program.

Can I reapply for the rebate now that the program has reopened?

No, there is only one successful rebate allowed per eligible ABN for entire duration of the program.

If I trial a product, can I cancel at any time without penalty?

There is no cost to trial a product and all training and workshops are provided for free. You will need to check with the individual product supplier about the length, time, or credit available as part of your trial.

You should check with the digital product supplier about terms and conditions, including cancellation fees, before you sign up and purchase.

If you want to cancel after purchase, please discuss this with the product provider to see if there is anything they can do to resolve any issues.

Do I need to provide my credit card details to start my free trial?

You should check with the digital product supplier about terms and conditions, including any credit card requirement, before you sign up for a trial. You will not be required to pay for your trial, though some product suppliers ask for credit card details to access a free trial.

Product trials last from 2 weeks to one month. You will only be charged if you continue using the product after completing the trial or using all your free credit.

Do I need to purchase the product to access the Victorian Government rebate?

Yes. Once you have completed your trial period and have chosen the product/s you would like to access for 12 months, you will need to sign up and pay before applying for a rebate.

You are required to provide evidence of your purchase or subscription with your rebate application. You must supply a copy of an invoice or receipt as proof of purchase. The invoice must be issued directly from the supplier to the business name associated with the ABN. Third parties are welcome to assist with your application, although they must not make a purchase on your behalf.

Examples of supplier receipts and invoices (PDF 3835.84 KB)

The receipt or invoice only needs to reflect the subscription or access period you have already used (e.g. one-month subscription or access).

It does not need to show expenditure of $1200.

For more information, please refer to the program guidelines.

What happens after I get my rebate?

You will be required to participate in an evaluation survey after six and 12 months. This is important to help understand the effectiveness and impact of the program.

What if my purchase rebate application is unsuccessful?

If you are unsuccessful in your application for a purchase rebate, you can continue trialling other products on offer, attend the training and workshops, and to access products at your own cost.

For more information, please refer to the program guidelines.

I’ve been deemed ineligible after submitting my application. Will the Victorian Government repay my money?

Every effort will be made to ensure registered businesses are eligible before they purchase a digital product and apply for a rebate. You may be contacted after you register to verify the information provided and ensure your eligibility for the program.

You may be deemed ineligible for other reasons, including failure to provide proof of purchase, purchase of a product not available under the program, or discontinuing product use after purchase.

If you are deemed ineligible for the purchase rebate the Victorian Government will not be able to repay money you have spent on a product.

For more information, please refer to the program guidelines or contact Business Victoria on 13 22 15.

Will the $1200 reimbursement cover the total cost of this program? What happens when my rebate runs out?

The purchase rebate is equivalent to at least 12 months’ access to digital products available under this program. Access costs for foreign currency and sales percentage products will vary depending on exchange rates and use.

After your rebate runs out, you can cancel your access or continue using the product at your own cost.

When will I receive my purchase rebate?

You will be contacted by email 6 weeks after eligibility is confirmed to verify you have begun adapting and establishing the product in your business.

The Victorian Government will pay your rebate after you have confirmed you are using the product.

How do I get my rebate?

If you are successful, you will receive an email inviting you to click onto the link to lodge a claim that will launch your payment.

Your payment should arrive into your nominated bank account within approximately 20 business days after you have lodged your claim.

How can I use my rebate?

Your rebate can only be used to access one or more products provided by the digital product suppliers under this program.

You do not need to use up your rebate within 12 months. If there is still a rebate balance after 12 months, you can continue paying for access until the rebate runs out.

After your rebate runs out, you can cancel your access or continue using the product at your own cost.

Can I use the rebate to purchase hardware related to one of the approved digital products (i.e. the Square Reader)?

Yes, as long as the proof of purchase submitted with your rebate application shows the purchase or upgrade of a digital product and also lists the hardware item.

When do applications for the rebate open?

Applications for the purchase rebate are open from 4 April 2022 to 18 July 2022. Please note the program may close earlier if all funds are exhausted prior to the close date.

What if I change my mind and want to swap to another product provider after I have signed up?

You should check with the digital product supplier about terms and conditions, including cancellation fees before you sign up and purchase.

You may be able to negotiate directly with the product supplier to switch your plan if your business needs change.

If you still want to change to another digital product, you must ask your current supplier to cancel your service.

What if there is a rebate balance after I cancel my service?

You should use the balance of your rebate to purchase your preferred digital product. You will not be reimbursed for your initial purchase. You must use the rebate to purchase a digital product available under the program or repay the unused amount on demand.

What if I want to cancel my product access, do I have to pay back the outstanding money or a cancellation fee?

You should check with the digital product supplier about terms and conditions, including cancellation fees before you sign up and purchase.

If you want to cancel after purchase, please discuss this with the product provider to see if they can help you resolve any issues you may have.

If you still want to cancel, you will need to notify your current provider. You must use the rebate to purchase a digital product available under the program or repay the unused amount on demand.

What if the product or service I want to sign up for is more than $1200?

You may choose a product that costs more than $1200, however you will only receive a rebate for $1200.

I’m having trouble with my product provider, who can I get in touch with?

All product providers on this program have agreed to a standard set of principles, including providing access to the product, training and customer support during the trial and subscription/access period.

If you are experiencing difficulties with the product provider and they are unable to resolve your issue, you may wish to contact an appropriate regulatory authority, such as Consumer Affairs Victoria to escalate the issue.

I’m not happy with the product I’m receiving, will the Victorian Government repay my money?

You should discuss your concerns with the product provider in the first instance. If you are unable to resolve your issues and still want to cancel, we encourage you to explore the options available through other listed product providers to continue with the program.

If you choose to cancel your access, you should notify the provider. You must use the rebate to purchase a digital product available under the program or repay the unused amount on demand.

Will the digital product I have subscribed to automatically renew after the 12 months covered by the rebate?

You can continue to access your digital product after 12 months at your own cost. Most providers charge a monthly subscription/access fee. You will need to make billing arrangements with the provider or cancel your subscription/access.

How do I access workshops and training?

Workshops and training are available to support your business in adapting to digital operations. Once your ABN has been validated via the ABN Checker, you will have access to a dedicated Small Business Digital Adaptation webpage, which includes information on a wide range of free workshops and training.

You can also apply for Business recovery and resilience mentoring.