In this edition, you will find information about the State Government Roadmap out of the COVID-19 and updated support for businesses from all levels of government.

This October, the Business Bus will provide dedicated virtual support for Moyne businesses over a two-day session. Book in your spot today! You will also find information about the Great South Coast Leadership Program, statewide and national grants opportunities, business advice, news and other updates.

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.

Last Tuesday, Victoria has passed its first threshold on the Roadmap with 80 per cent of Victorians having received their first vaccine dose. This is Phase A of the National Plan. In regional Victoria, outdoor settings for restaurants and cafes will have their outdoor venue cap increase from 20 to 30 people. Masks may be removed if the service requires them in hair and beauty salons, so facials and beard trimmings can recommence.

As restrictions continue to ease in Melbourne and Regional Victoria, future indicated dates in the roadmap include:

  • 26 October: 70 per cent of Victorians expected to have had both vaccination doses. This is Phase B of the National Plan and lockdown will end in Melbourne.
  • 5 November: 80 per cent of Victorians expected to have had both vaccination doses. This is Phase C of the National Plan, and regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne will come together under the same rules.
  • 19 November: once 80 per cent of Victorians aged 12 and over are fully vaccinated, restrictions will align with Phase D of the National Plan

For more information on the roadmap visit -https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/victorias-roadmap

A funding package of up to $2.27 billion, announced by Business Victoria yesterday, will support businesses most affected by restrictions as Victoria reaches the 70 per cent, then 80 per cent fully vaccinated thresholds on the state’s Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan. The package provides businesses with further certainty that support will continue in line with Victoria’s Roadmap. This will see more than 160,000 businesses receive support, ranging from retailers and gyms to hairdressers and hotels – mostly through automatic deposits into their bank accounts. 

Business Costs Assistance ProgramGrants ranging from $1,000 to $8,400 per week, rising according to payroll, will be available until the end of October. Businesses that remain closed or severely restricted over the first two weeks of November will also receive automatic payments for that period. 

Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund More than 9,000 eligible cafes, restaurants, hotels and bars across Victoria will receive automatic payments of between $5,000 and $20,000 per week until the end of October. Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund payments will continue for the first half of November, set at reduced rates to reflect lower restrictions in place at that stage under Victoria’s Roadmap. 

Small Business COVID Hardship Fund A further 30,000 businesses to receive a one-off $20,000 payment through the Small Business COVID Hardship Fund  To find out more visit www.premier.vic.gov.au/supporting-victorian-businesses-through-reopening  

The Small Business Bus provides business advisers to help you start or build your small business. Whether you're planning, starting or growing your business, the Small Business Bus can help you to develop your business ideas and capabilities. The business expert can help you to identify a clear direction for your business, discuss key issues and priorities, and develop a business action plan to achieve your goals.

The upcoming Business Bus visits for Koroit and Port Fairy will now be held virtually while Victoria's lockdown restrictions are still in place.
Business experts offer free 45-minute business mentoring sessions on the assigned dates from 10 am-4 pm.

DatesBooking Link
25 October 2021 https://business.vic.gov.au/workshops-and-mentoring/view?id=E23392#sessiontimes
27 October 2021https://business.vic.gov.au/workshops-and-mentoring/view?id=E23394


Please note that only one session is available for each business, and bookings are essential.
Please call Business Victoria on 13 22 15 for further information.

The Advanced Manufacturing Commercialisation Fund provides small to medium manufacturing enterprises with matched funding to commercialise new products and processes.

Grants between $100,000 and $1 million (with matched funding) are available for businesses undertaking projects that align with one or more of the 6 National Manufacturing Priorities:

  • food and beverage
  • medical products
  • resources technology and critical minerals processing
  • recycling and clean energy
  • defence
  • space

You can find out more about eligibility and how to apply - here

Sustainability Victoria's Small Business Energy Saver Program is helping small businesses switch to energy-saving equipment that will reduce their running costs and greenhouse gas emissions. With almost 100% of equipment covered and an ongoing saving of 15-20% off your equipment's annual running cost, there has never been a better time to make the change.
Want to know more? Visit https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/small-business-energy-saver

or email your local expert for the Barwon South West Region energysaver@greenlight.org.au
LGSC is an experiential learning program, where ‘learning by doing' is at the core of the course. The Program will develop your leadership skills, regional knowledge & networks of professional & community contacts, in a safe, supportive, and enjoyable learning environment.
The program is calling for applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, genders, ages, abilities, and industries. The primary eligibility criteria is a demonstrated eagerness to contribute to your community and develop your personal leadership skills and networks.
Ask yourself:
  • Do I care for my community and want to make a real difference?
  • Am I seeking a new learning opportunity that will help progress my career?
  • Do I want to be connected to the people that lead our region?
  • Do I want to meet like-minded people and make rewarding new friendships?
Yes! Then the LGSC Program is most definitely for you.
You can expect to achieve:- Personal growth and professional development- Leadership skills development- Increased knowledge of regional business, industry, and community networks- Greater understanding of the region’s social, economic, and environmental resources- Membership of a growing network of program graduates from across the Great South Coast Applications are NOW OPEN and close on 31 October with $25,000 of scholarships available - more info at https://lgsc.org.au/applicationThe LGSC 2022 Program commences in February 2022.

Grants of $25,000 to $100,000 are available to eligible small-scale and craft agribusinesses for projects that:

  • create cohesive visitor experiences that showcase Victoria’s premium small-scale and craft products and has the potential to become an ongoing tourist attraction
  • develop new agri-visitor experiences across Victoria
  • ensure Victoria continues to be a leader in artisanal produce, showcasing the sectors excellence, resilience, sustainability and local job creation
  • create opportunities for communities and visitors to engage with the unique small-scale and craft sector
  • increase understanding of and customer connection with Victoria’s small-scale agribusinesses.

For eligibility requirements and to apply visit - Business Victoria website

Event organisers and suppliers of larger public events in Victoria will receive grants under the new Impacted Public Events Support Program Round Two.

The Impacted Public Events Support Program Round Two will deliver grants of $25,000 to organisers of Tier 1 and Tier 2 events under the Public Events Framework that are approved or registered to take place between 11:59 pm on 24 June 2021 and 11:59 pm on 23 September 2021.
Suppliers to Tier 1 and Tier 2 events may be eligible for a $10,000 grant under this program.
To find out more, visit - Business Victoria webiste
Fear and anxiety about your business in the pandemic can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. There are a number of ways to support your mental health during periods of self-isolation or quarantine:
  1. Remind yourself that isolation is temporary
  2. Focus on the effort you are making to protect others from contracting the virus.
  3. Stick to routines – although they sound dull, they're good for our mental health. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time, eat at regular times, shower and change your clothes. This will help you to manage your days and adjust when life starts to go back to normal.
  4. Try to maintain physical activity.
  5.  Manage your stress levels, and if needed, increase your coping strategies (for example, listening to music, watching your favourite shows, meditation or exercise).
  6. If you have a health condition, keep taking any prescribed medication, continue with your treatment plan and monitor any new symptoms.
  7. Seek professional support early if you're having difficulties.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service is your local provider 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 they work in and 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.

The Victorian Government and Sidekicker have established a partnership to help employers to connect with local candidates that match the skills and experience you need.

The Jobs Victoria online hub matches job seekers who are ready to work with employers seeking a local, job-ready workforce. You can also access wages subsidies when you hire new staff.

To find out more, head to the  Jobs Victoria website.

The Koroit Bakehouse is a popular, award-winning bakery that has been operational for over 25 years, in the main street of Koroit. Serving an assortment of bread, pastries, delicious baked goods, slices, coffee, light lunches and refreshments.

The Koroit Bakehouse is more than just a bakery with the best quality baked goods in town, they are a café with a relaxed dining experience and coffee that gains rave reviews, as well as an art gallery that provides ever-changing local art exhibitions.

Here is what customers have to say about the Koroit Bakehouse:

"It might have been a quick sandwich and coffee but it was the best sandwich and coffee we have had at a cafe."

"My husband had a beef and bacon pie and said it was the best pie he’d had in 15 years. I enjoyed one of their sausage rolls. The coffee. What can I say. I’m a bit of a coffee snob and enjoy a very strong coffee. The coffee here is as good as what you would get in the laneways of Melbourne."

"Fantastic bread and pastries, delicious pies and sensational coffee. A week spent in town and lunched here every day. Staff are friendly and accommodating."

"Fresh pastries and cakes. Freshly brewed coffee. Plenty of space to sit and eat. And all with the smell of a proper bakery. It's good."

The Koroit Bakehouse is open every day of the week, so pop down to say hello to the owners' Brent and Raelene Saulitis and their exceptional team, and don't forget to try something tasty. 
Phone: (03) 5565 8958
Email: koroitbakehouse@gmail.com
Facebook: /KoroitBakehouse
Instagram: @koroitbakehouse 

The Australian Government  Small Medium Enterprise SME Recovery Loan Scheme is designed to support the economic recovery and to provide continued assistance to SMEs that are dealing with the economic impacts of the coronavirus crisis.

The Scheme is enhancing lenders’ ability to provide cheaper credit, allowing many otherwise viable SMEs to access vital additional funding to get through the impact of Coronavirus, recover and invest for the future. The Government will work with lenders to ensure that eligible firms will have access to finance to maintain and grow their businesses.

The SME Recovery Loan Scheme builds on earlier loan schemes introduced during COVID-19.

Loans are available until 31 December 2021.  For for information visit - https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/sme-recovery-loan-scheme

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