The Victorian government has encouraged applications for the $60 million Small Business Ventilation Program.

The funding is to help eligible public-facing small businesses improve their ventilation in areas accessible to customers and reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

The program offers two types of support:

  1. Ventilation Rebate – A $500 rebate to take immediate action, such as purchasing equipment or hiring a qualified tradesperson to undertake minor services to improve ventilation
  2. Ventilation Grant – Matched grants of $1000 to $5000 to invest in larger projects, such as building works, engaging professional services or equipment to improve ventilation

A business can apply for both a Ventilation Rebate and a Ventilation Grant. The submitted applications can request funds for the same ventilation project. However, the funds must not be allocated to the same eligible expenditure item.

Applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis until 24 June 2022 or when funds are fully allocated – whichever comes first.

Before deciding to apply, businesses should go here to check eligibility for a grant and/or rebate.

Blaine Hattie is a business lawyer and principal at Sutton Laurence King Lawyers.

Need expert advice on hospitality law or commercial law in Victoria? Contact Sutton Laurence King today on 03 9070 9810 or for help.