The Victorian Government has announced COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Voucher Program to provide financial support with a grant voucher of $2,000 to eligible businesses reopening in a COVIDSafe manner by moving the existing activities outdoors.

With an allocated fund of $14.5 million, this program will provide support to more than 7000 Victorian businesses, community organisations, not-for-profit organisations and traders, including outdoor hospitality and entertainment.

What’s The Eligible Criteria To Apply?

Eligible businesses must:

• have an active ABN and registered for GST
• be a business, a charity, not-for-profit or a trader association
• operate in Victoria, except in the City of Melbourne
• have a plan to move their business activities outdoors
• will spend the money in less than 3 months from getting it
• operate in an eligible industry
• have annual Victorian payroll under $3 million
• didn’t get support from the Outdoor Eating and Entertainment Package Program in 2020.

The COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Voucher Program will assist businesses by supporting their investment needed in the move. This includes the costs involved in equipment, permits, personal services, recreation and dining.

How Do I Apply?

The program opened at 11 am on Wednesday, 27 October 2021 and is still open. Vouchers will be allocated on first-in basis and the application will close when program funds are exhausted or the quota is filled.

To complete your application, you will need:

• ABN
• address for the business using the voucher
• driver licence, learner permit, seniors’ card or proof of age card
• contact number and email address.

Before submitting the application, make sure the details you have mentioned are accurate. Crosscheck your ABN from the Australian Business Register website to assess eligibility for the program.

At the end of the application, businesses must declare that they meet the eligibility criteria. After successful submission, the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) will send you a COVIDSafe outdoor activation voucher.

Within three months of receiving the voucher, successful applicants must provide proof that they spent the voucher payment on eligible items and business purpose, otherwise, you may be asked to repay the voucher.

If you need any professional assistance to help you with the filing process, our tax accountants at KPG Taxation are here for you.