Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Recovery

We're here to help your business adapt and build resilience through these challenging times. It is our priority to support the recovery of our community and local economy, by providing a range of relief measures for businesses, and support initiatives that stimulate local industry.

In Council's 2020-21 Budget, we committed $465,000 in business grants and support programs, as part of the Community and Business Support Package which provided a total of $2 million funding. 

We recommend that you subscribe to the KnoxBiz eBulletin to stay updated.

For specific queries relating to coronavirus (COVID-19), call the Business Victoria coronavirus hotline on 13 22 15.

Coronavirus translated information is available online for employees from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Businesses can also call 13 22 15 and request a free translator.

If you have any queries, contact us at business@knox.vic.gov.au 

 

Knox Council Business Support Grants

Round 2 – Creative and Cultural Sector Grant (Placemaking and Liveable Communities)

A second round of the Placemaking and Liveable Communities Grant is now open. Applications will be assessed as they are received and this round will close when the budget is spent.

Contact us at business@knox.vic.gov.au or on 9298 8000 if you have questions about the guidelines or application process.

Knox is home to a diverse mix of creative and cultural industries that have been highly impacted by COVID-19. Analysis of data in the creative and cultural sector shows that there are well over 700 local creative and cultural businesses that are registered for GST, however there are many other smaller creative and cultural businesses that will also be significantly impacted by COVID-19.

The objective of this grant is to support cultural and creative sectors in Knox – a sector that is heavily reliant on patron numbers, events/festivals and tourism.

Knox Creative and Cultural Sector and Place Activation Grant will have the following parameters:

  • Creative and cultural businesses will be able to apply for up to $10,000;
  • Needs to demonstrate partnerships and community outcomes; and
  • Council will reserve the right to part-fund projects.

Placemaking and Liveable Communities Grants will enhance placemaking/liveability and activity centre renewal activities, in Wantirna, Bayswater, Boronia and Ferntree Gully Village, post COVID-19 restrictions. With COVID-19 having a deep impact on retail, hospitality and community arts and recreation services, this grant recognises the link between vibrant retail and activity centres and the creative and cultural sectors.

These initiatives could include:

  • Funding neighbourhood pop-up activations, community art projects/ installations, and cultural development activities;
  • Running events/performances/multimedia/digital exhibitions that are connected to the activity centres;
  • Supporting partnership arrangements between artists and traders to improve visual merchandising/rejuvenation of shopfronts, activity centre beautification or marketing; and
  • Footpath, trading and dining displays that compliment commercial and community activity in these centres.

To be eligible for funding, the following requirements must be met:

  • Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN);
  • Be currently operating within the cultural and creative sector
  • Be an Australian owned business or organisation;
  • Be located in or operating within Knox; and
  • Hold all relevant licences, permits and approvals necessary to be operating
  • Funding may be granted to an auspice organisation if the applicant does not meet the above eligibility requirements

Grant Guidelines

 

Grant recipients

The first round of grant recipients are outlined in the pdf documents below:

Case Study - Grant recipient - Catten Industries

Local sheet metal fabrication business, Catten Industries, received a $15,000 grant to upgrade equipment and machinery to support the manufacturing of COVIDSafe products such as hand sanitiser stands and signage. Business recovery grants were designed to help businesses find new opportunities, and to adapt or respond to COVID-19 restrictions and impacts.

Find out how the financial support received helped grow the business and widen their product range.

 

Knox Council Mentoring and Commercial advice

Businesses are facing complex challenges in this pandemic, this includes legal, tax, financial and payroll issues. If these issues aren't addressed quickly it can increase the financial and legal impact on your business. This initiative offers free expert advice from industry professionals to help you work through these complicated issues and information quicker, in order to manage the impacts of COVID-19.

Financial mentoring is being provided by Hayes Girling Financial, an award winning, Knox-based financial services provider. Up to three sessions are available to have a confidential discussion about financial, insurance or human resources issues in your business.

ION Group are providing small-group business coaching sessions.

Please contact us at business@knox.vic.gov.au if you require assistance.

 

For Federal and State government support and available resources, visit the Business support and resources page.

 

Current information on dealing with coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found on the Coronavirus website, or call the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 15.

 

 

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