By Laura Michell
More than 350 businesses have applied for financial support from Hume council to help get them through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The council is offering $1 million as part of its Quick Response Support Grants for small to medium-sized businesses.
The grants are designed to provide immediate relief for businesses affected by the coronavirus crisis and can help pay for costs such as e-commerce platforms, website development, digital marketing and promotion, product development, staff training and utility bills.
Hume council planning and development director Michael Sharp said the response from businesses had been “overwhelming”.
He said the council received applications from a range of industries including manufacturing, retail, food and hospitality, freight, and beauty, professional and business services.
“Applications are currently being assessed by council and we hope to notify successful recipients over the next few weeks,” Mr Sharp said.
The council is also striving to help businesses by waiving food registrations and all outdoor dining area permit fees and licence fees for 2020-21.
It will also provide additional opportunities for local businesses to tender for council contracts in a bid to support local jobs, and will provide rent relief for up to six months for tenants occupying council facilities who can demonstrate that their business has been adversely impacted by COVID-19.
Cr Joseph Haweil said he was proud of the actions taken by Hume council to help the community through the pandemic.
He said the coronavirus had taken a financial and psychological toll on the community.
“Our local economy has also taken a big hit and the weeks and months ahead will be challenging for everybody.
“I know these measures …will support local businesses to remain viable – and perhaps even to grow – and will also assist to help connect people in this time of need.”
