Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program available in Victoria

There are two streams of support available under the program:

• Immediate flood relief grant
• Business Relief Service

The Small Business Immediate Flood Relief Program includes one-off grants of $5000 to support thousands of eligible businesses, with additional support available through a new dedicated Business Relief Service.

Grant eligibility

To be eligible for a grant, businesses must:

• be located within a local government area deemed eligible for assistance under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement
• hold an active Australian business number (ABN) and have held that ABN on and from 14 October 2022
• be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) on and from 14 October 2022
• have incurred significant direct damage from flooding to the place of business, business assets, stock or equipment.

Grant funding can be used to cover expenses arising from the damage caused from flooding to the place of business, business assets, stock or equipment.

Eligible businesses can apply for the grant to cover expenses incurred from direct flood damage including for (but not limited to):

• qualified tradespeople to conduct safety inspections, repair premises and internal fittings
• equipment, materials and services needed for clean-up
• removal and disposal of debris, damaged materials or damaged stock
• equipment, stock and materials essential for immediately resuming operations.

Applications for this program will close at 4pm on Friday 13 January 2023 or earlier if funds are exhausted. Applications will be assessed on a first-in, first-served basis.

Business Relief Service

The Business Relief Service is a free service offering one-on-one support from a local business mentor who will be available via telephone and on the ground 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.

What you need for your application

To apply you will need to:

• provide proof of identity
• attest that your business incurred significant direct flood damage due to the Victorian floods that commenced in October 2022 and is located within a local government area deemed eligible for assistance under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement
• attest that grant funds will be used to cover business expenses arising from the damage from flooding to the place of business, business assets, stock or equipment
• where relevant provide ABN, entity registration details (e.g. ACN), trustee details, Workcover Employer Number if available and location of impacted business

Your proof of identity document can be one of the following forms of identification:

• Victorian driver licence or learner permit
• Australian passport
• Medicare card
• foreign passport for those issued with an Australian Visa.

To access the Business Relief Service, call the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15 and they will connect you with dedicated mentors and support. The hotline operates seven days a week.

How to apply

You can apply using the ‘Apply now’ button on this page here.

Check your details are correct on the Australian Business Register website prior to applying.

The Victorian Government or representatives may audit your application so you will need to produce relevant evidence at the request of the Victorian Government.

TaxAssist Services

If you need help or advice with your bookkeeping, Year End Accounts, payroll, taxes, superannuation or BAS Returns contact us. TaxAssist Accountants also offers an expert professional advisory service including cash flow management and business planning.  Set your business up for success and book your free, no obligation consultation today.

Date published 21 Oct 2022 | Last updated 21 Oct 2022