Council has waived registration fees for more than 400 Warrnambool beauty, accommodation and food businesses.
This will save businesses $141,000 over the 2020-2021 financial year.
"This is an important business support measure and in line with other steps taken in our COVID-19 Business Support Plan," Warrnambool City Council Acting Chief Executive Officer Vikki King said.
"It complements the Business Initiatives Grants (BIG) program which saw about $90,000 distributed among 40 local businesses.
"Our Economic Development team continues to liaise directly with as many businesses as possible.
"We've had a positive response from the retail sector to the one-on-one sessions with retail guru Martin Ginnane and we encourage businesses yet to go online to consider a free workshop offered through Business Victoria on November 18.
"We're mindful that while business has been profoundly affected by COVID-19, so too has the broader community.
"In forming the 2020-2021 budget Council allocated $1.95 million to businesses and the community to help in the recovery from the pandemic.
"We allocated a record $255,428 through the Community Development Fund (CDF) round which was distributed to 71 eligible clubs and local organisations for projects which contribute to the liveability of the city in categories which include sport and recreation, arts and culture, environment and sustainability and festivals and events.
"Council also committed to reviewing the Budget during the financial year to ensure we were responding effectively to COVID-19."
