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                    Virtual business support summit

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                    Our first ever virtual business support summit was held on Thursday 16 April 2020. Over 600 representatives from Melbourne’s small and medium business community logged on to hear our panel of experts share their thoughts on how together, we can get through this unprecedented time.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We received over 100 questions and have summarised responses in the question and answer section below.

                    Summit speakers 

                    Watch a recording of the summit

                    If you missed the summit, or would like to watch it again, it’s now available below for you to watch anytime.

                    Summit Q&As

                    What support and resources are available to my employees and their mental health?

                    ​CEO of Beyond Blue Georgie Harman presented on a number of initiatives and resources available to individuals and businesses to identify and manage mental health during this stressful time. This includes the new coronavirus mental wellbeing support service. Find more information from Beyond Blue – National help lines and websites.

                    What is the City of Melbourne Business Concierge and who can access it?

                    City of Melbourne has a Business Concierge Service for businesses located in the City of Melbourne municipality: 9658 9658 (press 1 for business) or contact us using our online form.

                    Can I watch a recording of the virtual business support summit?

                    ​A recording of the summit and further information on the organisations who presented can be found at the top of this page.

                    What resources are available to assist businesses to understand the health implications of COVID-19 or coronavirus?

                    ​Read latest updates on our response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. 

                    Where can I find the latest information about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?

                    ​For the latest information please refer to the Department of Health. 

                    Where do I find more information about the JobKeeper payment for employers and employees?

                    ​Under the JobKeeper payment, businesses impacted by the coronavirus will be able to access a subsidy to continue paying their employees. The government will provide a fortnightly payment of $1500 per eligible employee until 27 September 2020. We recommend you check out the business.gov.au website for more information and how to find out if you're eligible.  

                    Due to the financial effects of COVID-19 on my food business I can’t pay my Food Act registration renewal, can council help?

                    ​The General Financial Hardship Policy assists eligible residents and businesses experiencing financial difficulty due to COVID-19. Applicants can request help in paying their City of Melbourne permits, licenses and fees. Food businesses can apply for a reduced registration fee under our General Financial Hardship Policy. Annual registration renewal fees for eligible food businesses will be reduced by 25 per cent.

                    How can we revive the international student sector?

                    ​On 8 April the City of Melbourne called for increased support for international students during the COVID-19 pandemic – including the establishment of a hardship fund to support students. Read the full announcement. 

                    When will bottle shops in the CBD receive reimbursement of the renewal fee for 2020 liquor licensing?

                    The Victorian Government has announced a range of tax relief measures as part of its economic survival package in response to coronavirus, including reimbursing businesses that have paid for a renewable liquor licence for 2020. 

                    For the latest up to date information , please refer to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation.

                    Is the City of Melbourne prepared to promote and market online events and businesses as we continue to operate?

                    ​Yes, City of Melbourne continues to promote businesses and online events through our What's On channels. Find tips on how to promote your business and events or share information at What's On. 

                    Where can I find support for not-for-profits and social enterprises?

                    Our quick response business​ grants provided financial assistance to eligible businesses including non-profit and social enterprise organisations affected by COVID-19.

                    Where can I find more information about the City of Melbourne quick response grants?

                    ​You can find more information about the quick response grants here: Grants open for business affected by COVID-19.

                    Is there a chance for council rates for business (commercial tenancy) to be waived (or deferred)?

                    See General Financial Hardship Policy for more information about rates relief and our financial hardship policy.

                    As a sole trader, I don't have employees and am exposed to significant cash flow risk at this time, what is the government doing to support sole traders?

                    ​The Australian Government has announced measures to support businesses impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19). If you're a sole trader, learn what your business can get and where to go for help at Support for sole traders.

                    Start-ups and entrepreneurs face real difficulty shifting from a spend mindset and sourcing funding for our ideas, what support is on offer to navigate this turbulent time?

                    ​LaunchVic have curated a number of resources and assistance programs to help start-ups adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find business resources for start-ups​ at LaunchVic.​

                    Who is advocating on behalf of businesses re-opening across Victoria and Melbourne?

                    ​The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is advocating on behalf of the needs of businesses in Victoria and can provide specific workplace related advice including HR, workplace relations, health, safety and wellbeing. They're also offering free membership worth over $700 for businesses across Victoria and City of Melbourne. 

                    What support and resources are available to the tourism industry at this time?

                    The Victorian Tourism Industry Council is advocating on behalf of tourism businesses across Victoria and can provide critical information, news, events and webinars. 

                    Read a summary of the virtual business support summit
                    Read a summary of the virtual business support summit DOC 206 KB
                    doc 206 KB

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