First for Business - Trader News - Edition 14

EDITION #14

Outdoor Dining Set To Entice Customers Back

The first stage to support expanded outdoor dining came to fruition this week with installation beginning at Pinewood Shopping Village, Mount Waverley. Council recognises that without the opportunity to expand their outdoor areas, current restrictions may have hampered the viability of many of our favourite eating places to reopen. After the State Government’s Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package was announced on 14 September, Council began working with traders to ensure the timeframe for reopening these businesses and precincts could be achieved once restrictions ease. More information here.

Monash Council - Expression of Interest
Council has written to restaurants and cafes to help explore options to expand their outdoor dining opportunities. An Expression of Interest for hospitality businesses who wish to provide new or expanded outdoor dining as part of a COVID Normal reopening is available. Council can provide one-to-one assistance to help plan a suitable expansion to the outdoor dining area. If you would like to provide new or expanded outdoor dining as part of your business, please complete the Expression of Interest.

State Government Grants for Outdoor Dining - OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
The State government has made available grants of up to $5,000 to assist eligible hospitality businesses to increase outdoor dining. Grant applications are now open, apply here.
If you require guidance with your application please contact Rachel Burree, Senior Economic Development Officer, Monash City Council on rachel.burree@monash.vic.gov.au or 9518 3577.

Website for the Latest Coronavirus Updates

The State Government's coronavirus.vic.gov.au website is your home for Coronavirus information. You will find the following information:

Industry restriction levels for metropolitan Melbourne
Guidance for business sectors including Industry Restart Guidelines and frequently asked questions (FAQs)
COVIDSafe Plans and High Risk COVIDSafe Plans for your business
Information to help you create a COVIDSafe workplace
Worker Permit Scheme information including Permitted worker permits
Support for businesses Coronavirus business grants and support programs can still be found on Business Victoria under Grants and assistance.
Financial support including Australian Government, Victorian Government and other support for employees, apprentices and business owners.
Commercial tenancy relief scheme
Working for Victoria initiative for employers and jobseekers
Plus information for education, travel, housing and more.

Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund

OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
The Victorian Government is providing support to licensed pubs, clubs, hotels, bars, restaurants and reception centres impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. 
More information here.

Third Round of the Business Support Fund

OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
Victorian businesses that must stay closed or operate under restrictions until COVID Normal may be eligible for support grants. Apply here.

Sole Trader Support Fund

OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
The Victorian Government has launched the Sole Trader Support Fund to help eligible
non-employing businesses working in sectors that will continue to be affected by ongoing restrictions. More information here.

Statement on Face Masks from Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews

"Victorians will now be required to wear a fitted face mask, covering the nose and mouth. Some of the concessions we made as we adjusted to this new normal - things like wearing a scarf or a bandana or a face shield - will no longer apply." More information here.

2020-21 Federal Budget Highlights for Traders

The 2020-21 Budget includes a range of programs to help businesses recover from the impacts of coronavirus and boost business confidence.

JobMaker Hiring Credit
Incentivising businesses to take on additional employees that are young job seekers aged 16 to 35.

JobTrainer Fund
Providing school leavers and job seekers access to additional free or low-cost courses to boost their skills.

Accelerating Personal Income Tax Cuts
Bringing forward Stage 2 of the Personal Income Tax Plan and providing a one-off additional tax beneﬁt to low- and middle-income earners in 2020‑21 to deliver tax relief to hard-working Australians.

Supporting Business Investment
Temporary tax incentives for businesses, to support new investments and increase business cash ﬂow.

More information here.

Business Recovery and Resilience Mentoring

Make informed decisions about how to navigate the impacts of COVID-19. Through this program, eligible business owners can receive up to four 2-hour mentoring sessions with an experienced professional who will help them make informed decisions about the future of their business.
Apply here.

Shop Local Marketing Campaign

We have prepared a suite of signs to help traders prepare for when restrictions ease. We currently have teams delivering circle decals to main activity centres to help brighten the return for customers.

These signs can be downloaded and used in your shop fronts. To view and download signs please click here

Online Free Business Webinars

Register for FREE webinars to help your businesses.
Spaces are strictly limited.

Emerge Stronger with FREE program
Upskill My Business Online Learning
Register here

Small Business Victoria Workshops
Specifically designed for Victorian-based businesses, and offered for free. | Register here

Other Resources/News:

Council is keen to increase community participation in decision-making and to engage with a broader cross-section of the community and is looking for people interested in joining a community panel.
Australia Post has announced their dates for postal delivery by Christmas.
The COVID-19 Roadmap for Reopening is now available in multiple languages for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Translated COVID-19 videos on YouTube
Find support from the Australian Government for financial assistance, eligibility and timing for the new government support for businesses.

Snap Send Solve

Spotted an issue in your community like graffiti, illegal parking, dumped rubbish, trip hazards or abandoned trolleys?
Time to get snapping!
Read more here.

Monash Economic Development Resources
Our Economic Development team produces a regular business e-newsletter which outlines the current support and opportunities for businesses.
Read more here

Be Kind to Business

Monash Council is encouraging its community to be kind to each other and also support local businesses during the current restrictions.
Read more here

You can now view all of our First for Business and Trader News online here.

For further information or assistance, please contact your Activity Centre support contact:
Paula Brennan (Glen Waverley, Oakleigh)
paula.brennan@monash.vic.gov.au or 0412 857 348

Selina Huynh (Mt Waverley, Pinewood & Syndal)
selina.huynh@monash.vic.gov.au or 0427 219 464

Nicole Tattersall (Clayton, Huntingdale & Hughesdale)
nicole.tattersall@monash.vic.gov.au or 0427 320 060