Council has rolled out a new $300,000 Business Recovery Grants program to support local start-ups and small businesses to adapt and respond to COVID-19 and strengthen their businesses.
The Business Grants program has been introduced as part of the Brimbank COVID-19 Response and Recovery Strategy.
Brimbank Mayor, Cr Georgina Papafotiou said applications for the Business Grants program have now opened, and encouraged start-ups and small businesses to apply.
"We are aware that local businesses are facing economic disruption and hardship caused by the COVID-19 crisis, and need all the support they can get.
'Council's new Business Grants offer additional support to small businesses doing it tough.
'These grants can help new businesses establish and start-ups to keep operating. The grants can also help small businesses in adapting to COVID-19 related challenges, and help other businesses who have the potential to grow and support the local economy and who haven't necessarily seen a downturn due to COVID-19.
'I encourage small businesses to put in an application,' Cr Papafotiou said.
As part of the Brimbank COVID-19 Response and Recovery Strategy, Council has recast its annual 2020/21 Brimbank Community Grants Program to include the Brimbank Recovery Grants program.
Council has allocated a total of $300,000 out of the budgeted 2020/21 Community Grants amount of $600,000, to the Brimbank Business Recovery Grants program. The remaining $300,000 is allocated to the Brimbank Community Recovery Grants program.
Three streams of Business Recovery Grants funding are available, to support local small businesses at all stages:
- Start-up Microgrants (up to $2,000, with up to $50,000 available)
- Small Business Support (up to $10,000)
- Small Business Booster(up to $10,000 with matched business funding required)
Businesses can apply if they have an annual turnover of up to $10 million and:
- an active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- a physical location within Brimbank municipality (including home-based businesses)
- $10 million public liability insurance (Small Business Support and Booster streams only).
Business Recovery Grant applications must be made through the online system SmartyGrants. before 4pm on 12 November 2020.
Supporting Brimbank business is an important part of the Brimbank COVID-19 Response and Recovery Strategy that is guiding a whole-of-council effort to assist local business and residents not just now, but as we recover and rebuild.
Council is working actively on many fronts to support local business through an integrated Business Support and Assistance Response.
