• $60 million Ventilation Voucher Program to help small businesses purchase equipment and upgrades to reduce COVID-19 spreading through the workplace within the state
• $34.2 million of Jobs Victoria funding will be used to place workers in over 1,500 jobs across hospitality, warehousing and logistics, tourism and food processing
• $5 million will extend the Small Business Digital Adaptation Program, providing rebates of up to $1,200 so businesses can access a range of digital tools
• $30 million providing rebates for food and wine experiences in regional areas and suburbs beyond the city of Melbourne
• $30 million in rebates for entertainment such as going to the theatre, cinemas, live music, galleries, conferences, and other events
• $30 million in the Victorian Travel Voucher scheme to encourage more people to holiday

For further information on the package and when each program opens, visit vic.gov.au/business-stimulus-package

Residents wanting assistance in their first language can call Council’s Language Line on 9932 1212 and ask to speak with an interpreter.

If you are experiencing financial hardship and can no longer pay your rates, interest, fees and charges for your business, you can apply for financial assistance. The Financial Hardship Policy has been refreshed with various options available for rate deferral through to waivers depending on the financial circumstances of the business. Apply online at www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/financialassistance or call Council on 1300 179 944.

Ratepayers Assistance
Business ratepayers financially impacted by COVID-19 can apply for 25 per cent off their 2021-22 rates (maximum $10,000) until the budget is exhausted or 30 June 2022.

To view eligibility criteria and to apply, visit the Hobsons Bay City Council website. Interest free rate repayment plans are also available.

Community Support Packages 
Community support packages assist some of the city’s most vulnerable residents, as well as small businesses who may be struggling from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the global pandemic, Council has released five Community Support Packages. 

To learn more about Council community support packages visit: https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/Coronavirus-community-information/Council-community-support-packages

For more information about the community support package, as well as key information for your business please click here(PDF, 152KB) or contact the economic development team at business@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au 

For information on further community assistance in the Hobsons Bay area visit:
COVID self-help welfare and support services - Hobsons Bay

E-Works Newsletter 
For more information on grants and programs available to support businesses, sign up for the business e-Works newsletter sent out every month.

Financial & Consumer Rights Council of Victoria (FCRC) is the peak body for Financial Counsellors in Victoria and can help you find a financial counsellor – visit www.fcrc.org.au for more information. 

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/business-grants-and-support 

Negotiating rent relief with your landlord
For advice on negotiating rent deductions with your landlord, call the Victorian Small Business Commission on 13 87 22 or visit www.vsbc.vic.gov.au

National Debt Helpline
This service helps you tackle debt problems. Professional financial counsellors offer free, independent and confidential services.

Visit ndh.org.au/

Anglicare – (in Williamstown, 225 Nelson Pl)
Free independent, confidential, financial counselling and emergency relief support.

www.anglicarevic.org.au/

Salvation Army - (in Altona, 108 Queen St)
Financial counselling, vouchers, food and essential goods hampers.

www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/