The VSBC is here to help!

Dear Members,
Victorian Small Business Commission is continuing to offer guidance in having fair rent relief negotiations and a suggested process to follow. Where an agreement can’t be reached between a retail tenant and landlord or two businesses, they’re offering free mediation to help resolve the rent relief dispute. Please note, VSBC can no longer provide support under the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme, which expired on 28 March 2021.

VSBC is also here to help resolve disputes over small business matters – from undelivered goods or substandard services to unpaid invoices.
Small business owners and commercial landlords can apply for their help via application forms web page.

Victorian Government support

VSBC encourages small business owners who haven’t been able to run their business under the current restrictions to access Victorian Government supports, including the $460 million Circuit Breaker Business Support Package. The program aims to assist small to medium businesses and sole traders, and includes targeted support for the events industry.

The $32.2 million Regional Tourism Support Package includes regional travel vouchers to encourage Victorians to support attractions and accommodation providers across the state once it is safe to do so. It also includes grant top-ups for eligible businesses and support for alpine businesses to help them provide a COVIDSafe ski season.

COVID Disaster Payment
Victorian workers who have had their hours and income significantly affected due to the restrictions will be eligible for a temporary Australian Government COVID Disaster Payment. Eligible recipients can receive up to $500 per week and payments can be claimed via myGov from Tuesday 8 June 2021.

Being COVIDSafe
If parts of your business are permitted to operate during the current circuit breaker restrictions, VSBC urges you to make sure you have an active, up-to-date COVIDSafe Plan and that customers check-in with the Victorian Government QR Code Service and wear a face mask. To check what applies to your business, go to the Victorian Government’s coronavirus website.

Looking after your mental health
If you are feeling like it’s all too much and struggling to cope, or feeling stressed, low, anxious, and overwhelmed, call the Partners in Wellbeing helpline on 1300 375 330 for free, confidential, and one-on-one mental health and financial counseling. The helpline is available seven days a week – from 9 am to 10 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 5 pm on weekends.

Yours sincerely,