The Ventilation Voucher Program will help small businesses purchase equipment and upgrades to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace and improve customer confidence – with rebates of up to $5,000 available as well as $500 vouchers.
The government also announced an extra $34.2 million in Jobs Victoria funding that will be used to place workers in more than 1,500 jobs across hospitality, warehousing and logistics, tourism and food processing.
A further $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.
Additionally, an extension of the Business Recovery and Resilience Mentoring Program with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry will mean more small businesses will have access to coaching.
The announcements were made on Monday (21 February) and build on the more than $13 billion in business support allocated by the government during the pandemic.
The Minister for Industry Support and Recovery, Martin Pakula, and Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Creative Industries, Danny Pearson, announced the $200 million package, which will support jobs across the state.
As well as the business funding a new and extended $100 million voucher scheme will provide rebates to Victorians for entertainment, dining and travel with a $10 million round of Melbourne Money to be delivered with the City of Melbourne, enticing diners back to city cafes, bars and restaurants by reimbursing part of their bill.
The scheme will be extended across the state, with a new $30 million program providing rebates on food and wine experiences in regional areas and in suburbs beyond Melbourne’s borders.
A new entertainment voucher scheme will provide $30 million in rebates for tickets to the theatre, live music, cinemas, museums, galleries, conferences, exhibitions and other events across Victoria.
A new $30 million round of the Victorian Travel Voucher Scheme will encourage even more people to holiday at home and spend on accommodation, attractions and tours.
“Business and consumer confidence is critical for our continued economic recovery and that’s why we’re investing in these programs to deliver a boost where it is needed most,” Mr Pakula said.
