MBN COVID-19 STATEMENT

The Melbourne Business Network is monitoring the COVID-19 situation very carefully. The safety and wellness of our Members and community is at the forefront of our decision making and as such, we have postponed our face-to-face activities until we have greater clarity on when it will be safe to resume. For this, we will follow the Government and WHO as to when to organise those events. Until that time, we will be hosting a number of webinars on topics chosen to provide assistance on business-critical issues at this time. Additionally, if you have a topic that you would like to know about, then please let us know. Meanwhile, review our events page for more details on our upcoming events. If you have any questions or would like to contact us, please email Anita Bowtell We hope you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy. Thank you for your support and understanding in this time of uncertainty. Wendi Dawson, President, Melbourne Business Network 27 March 2020

RESOURCE LINKS

• City of Melbourne | COVID-19 update
• ATO | New relief measures  | Support for Tax Professionals
• Australia Government | Where to get advice | IP Australia extensions | Looking after your mental health
• Beyond Blue | Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service
• Business Victoria | Advice, updates and support to help your workplace plan and respond to coronavirus COVID-19
• Dept of Education, Skills and Employment | Restart incentive for hiring mature age workers
• Dept of Health and Humans Services (DHHS) | COVID-19 updates
• Fair Work Ombudsman | Fair Work Act – Covid workplace law changes
• MyBusiness.com.au | JobKeeper rules explained (14 April 2020)
• Small Business Mentoring Service – COVID_19 guide | SBMS Key information guide (PDF)
• Small Business Victoria: COVID-19 Business Fact Sheets (by industry) – released 27 June 2020
• Victorian Small Business Commission | Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme – Stakeholders Toolkit | Dealing with rent in response to COVID-19
• World Health Organization (WHO) | Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

City of Melbourne | New Business Grants Now Open – Apply here The CoM are offering $5 million in new grants for businesses located within the City of Melbourne. Invest in online and e-commerce, do training and  professional development, and undertake capital works. Designed to support businesses affected by COVID-19. City of Melbourne | COVID-19 Business Concierge Hotline – Call 9658 9658 and press 1 for business Got questions? Get one-on-one advice from the City of Melbourne’s COVID-19 Business Concierge Hotline. Businesses and organisations can access support and important business information, and ask about the CoM local economic support package. Business Victoria | Business Support Fund – grants and assistance The Victorian Government has launched the $500 million Business Support Fund to help small businesses survive the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and keep people in work.