COVID-19 VIC: Business – Circuit Breaker Action Business Support Package (Business Costs Assistance Program)

This program aims to assist businesses in eligible sectors that have incurred direct costs as a result of the circuit breaker action to limit the spread of COVID-19. It forms part of the Victorian Government's $143 million Circuit Breaker Action Business Support Package which was established to support eligible businesses impacted by the circuit breaker action.

Grants of up to $2,000 are available.

A total funding pool of $92.06 million is available.

Eligible applicants include businesses that must:
- Be located within Victoria.
- Be registered as operating in an eligible industry sector identified in the List of Eligible ANZSIC classes (as defined by the industry classification (ANZSIC) linked to the business’ ABN.
- Have incurred costs as a direct result of the circuit breaker action announced on 12 February 2021.
- Have an annual Victorian payroll of up to $3 million in 2019-20 on an ungrouped basis.
- Be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) on 12 February 2021.
- Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and have held that ABN at 12 February 2021.

Businesses that received a grant under the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund (LHVF), including the associated Circuit Breaker Payment to LHVF recipients, are not eligible.

Businesses that meet the Program eligibility criteria that have received assistance through the three rounds of the Business Support Fund, payroll tax rebate/waiver, or other COVID-19 programs are eligible to apply for assistance.

Accommodation businesses that apply to both the Program and the Victorian Accommodation Support Program will only be eligible for the maximum grant available under either program.

Please refer to the Guidelines for the complete eligibility requirements.

Eligible costs must be a direct result of the circuit breaker action announced on 12 February 2021 which may include, but are not limited to:
- The loss of perishable goods (e.g. food or flowers)
- Cancellation fees and charges (e.g. venue/performer/instructor)
- Booking cancellations
- Other costs and losses incurred due to the circuit breaker action that could not be reasonably avoided