As we move into the second half of year, we will continue to bring you all the latest updates that will keep your business going. In this July edition, you'll find information about  COVID-19 support for businesses, 2021/22 budget announcement, State and Federal Government assistance packages, tax time support information, business news, tips, a business profile and more.

If you would like any further information on any of the articles, or would like your business profiled, please contact the Economic Development and Tourism team on 1300 656 564.

As restrictions continue to ease in regional Victoria, record keeping continues to be an important tool for helping Victoria stay safe and stay open. All businesses must use the Victorian Government QR Code Service, including takeaway venues, food courts, food trucks, retail, coffee carts and delivery that is not contactless. For a detailed overview on the latest changes, please see the Table of Restrictions on the DHHS website.

Kiosk - Venue Assisted Check- In Service
The Victorian Government QR Code Service has enabled the introduction of Kiosk; a venue-assisted check-in, to make it even easier for workers and visitors to check-in at your premises. The new Kiosk feature of the Service Victoria app lets businesses use their own smart phone, tablet or computer to help visitors check-in if they cannot do so themselves. To set up Kiosk check-in for your venue, please follow the steps outlined under "Setup a Kiosk check-in service".

Council have adopted the 2021 / 22 Budget for Moyne Shire.

The Budget features $15.5 million of capital works projects across the Shire, $9.3 million dedicated to local roads, and a focus on economic development, including another round of the Business Façade Improvement program, support for increased housing availability and developments, and an economic migration project.Key initiatives include:
  • Road works $9.3M
  • New playground and tennis courts at Macarthur $480K
  • Upgrades to the Port Fairy Railway Goods Shed $400K
  • Southcombe Park irrigation $200K
  • Energy projects resourcing $200K
  • Nirranda Recreation Reserve carpark $150K
  • Business Façade Improvement Program $50K
  • Economic Migration Project $50K
Council would like to thank the community for their input and helping to shape the Budget for 2021/22.Find out more at: https://www.moyne.vic.gov.au/News-Media/202122-Budget-Approved-by-Council

The ATO supports small business at tax time and beyond with its one-stop shop for reliable expertise and information. This one-stop shop includes business resources; including webinars, videos and podcasts as well as guidance for your returns.

For further information, please visit the  ATO Website or download the Small Business Tax Time Toolkit.

Reminder: Applications to the Victorian Government’s Business Competitiveness Program will close on 4 July 2021.

Grants of up to 33% of eligible project expenditure, up to a maximum grant amount of $500,000, will be allocated on a competitive basis to eligible small and medium manufacturers. These grants can be spent to expand manufacturing operations or implement new manufacturing technologies and processes that can contribute to the generation of sustainable local jobs.  

Eligible projects include the purchase and commissioning of capital equipment, manufacturing product and process improvements, prototyping, evaluation and testing of new products and processes and supply chain capability development.

To be eligible for the program an applicant must employ at least 20 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff or have an annual turnover of greater than $1.5 million. Companies with fewer than 20 FTE staff may be considered but will need to demonstrate why their project should be funded and how it will stimulate job creation. Projects need to be completed within 18 months of receiving the grant.

Visit the Business Victoria website for more information.

The Victorian Events Support Package supports event organisers, hosts and suppliers as they manage the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The package delivers five streams of support:

  • The Sustainable Event Business Program will provide up to $250,000 to major event organisers, hosts and suppliers who have suffered a loss as a result of the recent restrictions and the ongoing viability of their event or business has been significantly affected by the pandemic.
  • The Impacted Public Events Support Program will deliver up to $25,000 to eligible event organisers and up to $10,000 to eligible suppliers of Tier 1 and Tier 2 public events under the Public Events Framework, that were approved to take place between 11.59pm on 27 May 2021 and 11.59pm on 24 June 2021.
  • An Independent Cinema Support Program will deliver up to $12,000 to independent cinema operators unable to operate due to the COVID-19 restrictions that commenced at 11.59pm on 27 May 2021.
  • A Live Performance Support Program (Presenters) will provide up to $7000 to presenters of live performance events that have cancelled events between 11.59pm on 27 May 2021 and 11.59pm on 24 June 2021 because of COVID-19 restrictions.
  • A Live Performance Support Program (Suppliers) will provide a $500 grant per event for up to four different events for suppliers of goods and services to live performance events, including musicians and performers.

Applications and Expressions of interest have now commenced and will remain open until 11:59pm Friday 16 July 2021. For more details visit - Victorian Events Support Package

The Digital Agriculture Investment Scheme, funded by the Victorian Government, is currently open to applications.

Grants from $5,000 to $50,000 (ex GST) are available with at least a 50% co-contribution to assist farm businesses invest in eligible on-farm digital technology projects to improve productivity, resilience and the long-term viability of Victorian farms.

The Victorian Government is working to ensure that Victorian farmers are at the forefront of the digital revolution in agriculture. This program follows the launch of the Agriculture Strategy, and Smarter Safer Farms initiative to create a Victorian agriculture sector that is strong, innovative and sustainable.

Grants are available until program funds are fully allocated or the closing date of 31 October 2021, whichever is sooner. To find out if you’re eligible and to apply, visit Rural Finance

Recycling Victoria Research and Development Fund – Organics, supports businesses and research organisations to research and develop innovative ways to improve the processes, performance or systems in recycled organics products.

Grants of up to $300,000 are available to support businesses and research organisations to enhance the market for recycle organics. Composting businesses, agricultural enterprises, civil construction businesses, local industry groups and associations are encouraged to apply.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm, 16 July 2021. For further information please visit Sustainability Victoria website
The JobMaker Hiring Credit scheme is an incentive for businesses to employ additional job seekers aged 16 to 35 years.

Eligible employers can access the JobMaker Hiring Credit for each additional, eligible  employee they hire between 7 October 2020 and 6 October 2021.

You can register and then claim JobMaker Hiring Credit payments for 12 months for each new job filled with an eligible additional employee. Find out more at the ATO website.

As of 1 July 2021, the COVID specific permits have expired and all footpath trading and/or the use of footpaths will revert to pre-COVID permit arrangements. Moyne Shire is proud to have provided support for businesses during the peak of COVID-19 by waiving fees for Footpath Trading Permits and providing expanded outdoor dining opportunities.

Over the coming weeks, Moyne Shire’s Economic Development team and Local Laws Officers will visit businesses to assist with queries related to permit applications or business initiatives.

To find out more about Footpath permits or Moyne Shire Business Support Initiatives, please visit our website at https://www.moyne.vic.gov.au/ or  contact Moyne Shire Local Laws on 1300 656 564.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service is your local provider of business advice and wellness coaching with counsellors working across Victoria’s western region.

Rural financial counsellors and small business financial counsellors are a great resource for your farm or small business operation. They’re based in the regions so they understand local conditions and communities.

Financial counsellors can help with:

  • Understanding your financial position
  • Identifying and exploring options
  • Accessing grants and government support
  • Negotiating with banks, creditors or insurance providers
  • Planning for the next months and for the future

RFCS WSW takes a holistic approach to financial counselling. A well-being counsellor is available to ensure anyone working with a financial counsellor is fully supported.

Appointments with a financial counsellor are always free of charge.

Get to know your local RFCS. Call 1300 735 578 or visit www.wswrcs.com.au.

Moyne Localised is a free business listing service and can help you:
  • Advertise your goods and services to the local business community.
  • Engage with other businesses  and access local services.
  • Discover networking and professional development events across our region.
Whether you're looking to promote, connect, or discover ways to grow your business, if you do business in Moyne, you need to get Localised. It's free!
To get started visit  -  https://greatsouthcoast.localised.com.au/moyne/
The Talking Business Australia podcast is an Australian small business podcast brought to you by co-hosts Cath Fowler and Melissa Dickfos. This dynamic duo are digital marketers and copywriters, who love sharing the success stories of other regional business throughout Australia.

As a business owner, you’re probably always looking for extra tips to grow your business, improve your marketing or connect with other like-minded people.  The Talking Business Australia podcast shares marketing and business tips, and provide a platform to connect with and build a community of like-minded regional business owners.

Download the podcast from Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Upskill My Business connects you to short courses, online events and resources from the state’s top education providers and industry experts.

Courses on offer can help you regain ground to find more customers, better manage cash flow or just prepare for new market conditions.

Gain new skills and knowledge to keep your business moving forward. Take advantage of fee waivers for dozens of premium courses from top providers to increase your knowledge for free. Explore courses and webinars by topic, or use the guided questionnaire  to help you find a course that suits your needs.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has developed 10 useful tips to help cut costs and save energy in your business.

To find out more please click here
Yani's Kitchen and Food Pop up is a local food and catering business located in Port Fairy. Local chef Janis Vingrys, pivoted his business during COVID; moving from restaurateur into meal-kit provider.  He develops unique menu offerings each week, using local produce, so you can make delicious meals at home. His food boxes and home delivered meals help support local farmers, butchers and growers in the region wherever possible. 

There’s three meals in a box and you get all the ingredients, recipes and instructions to cook restaurant style food at home. Most of the prep and decision making is done for you and meals typically take 15-20 mins to cook; saving you precious time. You can sign up for a regular weekly or bi-weekly delivery, or just order when it suits you. Delivery is available throughout Moyne Shire as well as Portland and Hamilton.

If you’re time poor or at a loss in the kitchen and want to build more confidence cooking try out a Goodness Food Box today! Use promo code TRYITOUT in the online store to get 10% off your first box. www.yaniskitchen.com/shop

Sign up to the mailing list to get notified of the menu each week, or follow on Facebook and Instagram . You can also call Janis on 0467 821 559 if you need a hand with catering or want to hire a chef for dinner parties or events.  
To learn more about the business, check out the video on the Port Fairy Tourism Facebook page. 
For further information about our service or if you need help with accessing any of the resources provided, please contact Council's Economic Development and Tourism Team on 1300 656 564 or general inquiries can be emailed to ecodev@moyne.vic.gov.au