Business owners who need help to apply for government grants can turn to Horsham Rural City Council's Economic Development Team for assistance.
Many Coronavirus-effected businesses can access up to $10,000 from the Victorian Government along with the Commonwealth Government's JobKeeper payments.
Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla said Council's Business Support Team had already supported several Horsham businesses in understanding the government support packages.
"There are businesses in our municipality who have the resources to apply for these grants. But we know there are some who need help with the paperwork," Mr Bhalla said.
"There are also local operators who are not aware that they actually qualify for assistance and we have been helping people to understand the eligibility criteria."
Mr Bhalla said HRCC was sending a support newsletter out to over 1200 local businesses and had so far contacted more than 150 directly over the phone.
"Our Business Support Team wants to help make sure Wimmera businesses who have been highly impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions from these grants can benefit as soon as possible.
"It's our goal to make certain no local business misses out," he said.
While the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses is devastating, the toll it is taking on people's mental health is also significant.
Patrick White from Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria's Horsham branch said his organisation was available to help all businesses currently under stress.
"The impacts of the coronavirus are hurting many in the community, including businesses. It's important that business operators and employees get the right financial and emotional support", Mr White said.
"The general uncertainty about how the coronavirus situation might affect you and your business in the weeks and months ahead can have a huge impact financially, mentally, emotionally and physically, which is why taking care of yourself now is so important," he said.
Mr White also encouraged business owners overwhelmed by paperwork to seek help when applying for grants.
"Grants from the Victorian Government's Business Support Fund can be used towards business costs such as rent, utilities and salaries, and activities to support business continuity planning, such as seeking financial and or legal advice.
"It might take 20 to 30 minutes to carefully craft an application. If you are successful in a $10,000 grant, that is a pretty handy hourly return," he said.
People can contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service by calling 5381 1646.
