More funding for Small Business Ventilation Program

(Athena via Pexels)

The state government has launched the next round of its $60 million Small Business Ventilation Program.

Eligible businesses, including those in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges, can apply for support between $500 and $5000 to install air ventilation and filtration equipment, for works or professional services to help improve indoor air quality.

In a statement, the government said improving ventilation helps stop the spread of Covid-19 and gives customers confidence to know businesses are doing what they can to keep them safe.

Small Business Minister Jaala Pulford urged businesses to get on board.

“The program has delivered great results for many small businesses and I encourage more to take it up, particularly as customers look to stay warm indoors this winter,” she said.

The government said businesses can apply for two types of support under the program.

• Ventilation rebates of $500 to take immediate actions like purchasing an air purifier or hiring a qualified tradesperson to undertake minor services to improve ventilation.

• Matched Ventilation grants between $1000 and $5000 to invest in bigger projects such as “building works or engaging professional services or equipment to improve ventilation”.

“It comes as the Labor government’s Stay Well in Winter campaign encourages everyone to take sensible, preventative actions to protect each other this winter,” the government said.

The government said applications will be assessed for eligibility on a “first-come, first-served basis” until 11pm, Thursday, September 8, 2022 or when funds are exhausted.

Details: business.vic.gov.au.