• Extended Business Support 
  • Brimbank Business Grants Closing Soon 
  • Free Infection Control Training
  • Digital Jobs Program - Internships
  • Cybersecurity Virtual Roundtable
  • Brimbank JobLink - Are You Hiring? 
  • Something Out of Order? Get Online and Report it!
  • Starting a Small Business Webinar
  • Digital Solutions Program 
  • Three Free Business Support Program Options 

The Federal and State Governments have extended the following assistance in response to the State Government's decisions to extend the lockdown. 

The
Business Costs Assistance Program will provide automatic payments of up to $8,400 for recipients of the Business Costs Assistance Program Round 2 and July extension.   

The Small Business COVID Hardship Fund will provide grants of up to $20,000 to small businesses that are not eligible for support under existing programs and have experienced a 70 per cent reduction in turnover.

The Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund
will provide automatic payments of up to $20,000 for recipients of the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund and July extension.

Business Victoria has set up a concierge service to help businesses access support.

COVID Disaster Payments are available to eligible workers who lose hours due to the lockdown, as will businesses that do not qualify for Victorian Government support programs because they are not registered for GST.  The COVID-19 Disaster Payment payments will be administered through Services Australia. 

The Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme and Landlord Hardship Fund will provide support to landlords that provide rent relief for their tenants. 

Tenants and landlords can contact the VSBC for further information phone 13 87 22.  

Brimbank Businesses can apply for up to $10,000 for projects to adapt to COVID-related challenges and support business growth via the Brimbank Small Business Grant Program.

Eligible Businesses must be local, at least over 12 months old with a turnover of less than $10 million pa.

Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis and applications must be made online via grant application system SmartyGrants before the due date. But be quick as applications close 4pm Wednesday 15 September 2021. 

For program information and how to apply if you’re eligible, click here.


Customer-facing workers can access free, short, nationally-accredited infection control training through VU Polytechnic, to help identify and manage the risk of COVID infections.

The free training is for workers engaged in direct customer interactions across retail, hospitality and transport and logistics sectors.

For further information click here.

The Victorian Government’s Digital Jobs program gives you access to a new talent pool of people with digital skills.

Businesses are invited to host trained candidates through subsidised 12-week internships.

If you’re looking for people with the right digital skills for your business, register your interest now.

14 September, 8.30-10am

Cybersecurity is essential to protect your data, operations, people and systems.

Join a free cybersecurity virtual roundtable at Victoria University’s Sunshine Skills Hub to find out what you can do to protect your business, yourself and your employees from harm.

Register here!

Brimbank Joblink is a free service connecting local business with local jobseekers. If you are hiring, please contact the Economic Development team on 9249 4000 or email ecodev@brimbank.vic.gov.au about how to promote your vacancy for free. 

There's an easy way to report an issue or request a service without phoning, emailing or visiting a Council Customer Service Centre. 

Use our online reporting tool to report issues like dumped rubbish, graffiti, vandalism, abandoned vehicles, park, road or footpath problems and much more.

Report It Now! 


Get your idea off the ground at this essential planning webinar.

It's packed with vital start-up tips, tools and expert guidance that will give your business the best chance of success.


Learn how to: 

  • Understand the key success factors in starting your business
  • Understand the key components of a good business plan
  • Create the action plan you need to start your business
  • Access the many resources and information available small business owners.

Register Now!

Join the Digital Solutions program to access free workshops on business topics such as:

  • social media
  • websites
  • business branding
  • content and design
  • online marketing

Program members can also access one-on-one mentoring and upskill by undertaking online courses.

The program is exclusive to ASBAS members and has a one-off package fee of $44.

Join Now!



Learn new skills to build your business: 

September 
9th -
Social Media Strategy - Register here
15th - eCommerce: How to set up an online store - Register here
17th -
Considering your Small Business Viability - Register here 
21st -
Discover your Brand Voice - Register here

October 
13th - Using MailChimp for Online Marketing - Register here
28th - Creating Great Content for Social Media - Register here 

Develop your business skills and strengthen your business - for further information click here 

Small Business Victoria

A series of webinars to improve business success - for further information click here  

ATO: Support for Small Business Webinar
A series of free interactive online webinars presented by experienced tax specialists, where you can ask questions to help you apply the information to your situation - register here
  • The Partners in Wellbeing Helpline
    Access free one-on-one support from experienced wellbeing coaches who understand what businesses are going through. Businesses can call 1300 375 330 from Monday to Friday 9am–10pm or Saturday to Sunday 9am–5pm.   For a mentor or to receive translated information Book here
  • The Business Recovery and Resilience Mentoring Program
    Receive up to four two-hour mentoring sessions with an experienced professional who will help you make informed decisions about your business.  Book here
  • Business Victoria Virtual Mentor Session
    A business expert will help you identify a clear direction for your business, discuss key issues and priorities, and develop a business action plan to achieve your goals, all for free. Available Monday to Friday the sessions last 45-minutes and bookings are essential.  Book here 

Ensure the QR code in your business can be seen, accessed and all entering your premises use it to check in.

Use this step-by-step guide on how to use the free Victorian Government QR Code Check-in System here.

You can register your business for free right now here.

Make sure you’re adhering to the current COVID restrictions

  • All businesses must have an active, up-to-date COVIDSafe Plan.
  • Keep accurate records and ensure your staff and visitors register their details for contact tracing.
  • Every customer-facing business must use the free Victorian Government QR Code Service  to check in customers, workers and all other visitors. 
  • Download and display signage to remind people of the need to check in, and other safety measures.
  • If you or your workers have even mild COVID symptoms, please get tested.
  • Visit  coronavirus.vic.gov.au for more information or call Business Victoria on 13 22 15. If you need an interpreter, call the coronavirus  hotline 1800 675 398 and press 0. 
Other COVID Links
  • Current Restrictions for Melbourne, click here
  • Book your free vaccine appointment, click here 
  • Case location and outbreaks, click here
  • Where to get tested, click here
  • Circuit Breaker Support Package click here
  • Financial Support for Businesses, click here
  • Translated information about COVID-19, click here 
  • Businesses need to operate in line with current restrictions, click here
  • Businesses need a COVID safe plan, click here
  • Six principles of COVIDSafe workplaces, click here
  • Victorian Government QR Code Service, click here
  • Translated information on how to use QR codes here
  • Free training is available for businesses on infection control, click here
  • Support and information on how to properly clean businesses, click here 
  • $450 Testing Isolation Payment, click here 
  • $1500 Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment (if worker needs to stay home) click here
  • Information for people with disability, click here 
  • In-language updates can be found here
  • Health and Wellbeing, click here 
  • Coronavirus.gov.au, click here
  • Business Victoria, click here
  • Department of Health and Human Services, click here
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Copyright © Brimbank City Council, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
PO Box 70, Sunshine 3020

For further information about this newsletter please contact the Economic Development Unit on 9249 4000 or email ecodev@brimbank.vic.gov.au