Help for Brimbank businesses is part of a whole-of-council Strategy to assist in the response and recovery phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Business Support and Assistance Response is part of the Council's Brimbank COVID-19 Response and Recovery Strategy.
As part of the Business Support and Assistance Response, Brimbank businesses will be supported through a Business Response and Recovery Taskforce, one-on-one engagement and guidance for businesses to access Government support packages.
Brimbank Mayor, Cr Georgina Papafotiou said while Council supports social distancing and isolation measures that are required to protect the health and safety of the community, it also recognises these actions will have serious economic and employment ramifications on local businesses and workers.
'Brimbank already experiences a number of socio-economic challenges, across our highly diverse community, who are particularly vulnerable to a prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. We already experience higher than average unemployment, lower than average household income and lower than average educational outcomes.
'During these stressful and uncertain times for local businesses, Council is here to offer support and guidance.
'This two-stage strategy has been developed to provide Council with the agility and the foundations to evolve and grow the Strategy accordingly, across the whole organisation, depending on how COVID-19 continues to unfold.
'It is a whole-of-council Strategy designed to ensure all resources, programs, and initiatives across Council can assist in the response and recovery phases of the COVID-19 pandemic,' Cr Papafotiou said.
Some of the key stage 1 (Response) actions include:
- Environmental Health staff working directly with relevant businesses to assist in providing takeaway / alternate service models
- Undertaking a COVID-19 Business Assistance Survey to help inform Council's ongoing response
- Direct telephone calls to Brimbank businesses to understand effects and tailor assistance
- Existing Business Development Program including 'Cul-ti-vate', to be delivered online including website development, online business development, tax essentials, marketing, influencing and entrepreneurship
- Business Mentoring support for local businesses
- Specific online COVID-19 Brimbank Business Support and Assistance Resources, including information on Federal and State Government Support packages and regular Brimbank Business e-Bulletins.
Some of the key stage 2 (Recovery) actions include:
- Brimbank COVID-19 Business Response and Recovery Taskforce, to develop an ongoing strategy to support businesses
- Brimbank Localised – establishing a business network to promote local products, people and services
- Recasting the Community Grants program, to support residents, community groups and businesses responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, including Brimbank Business Micro grants, to enable home working, online payments, and training and support to foster local businesses
- Developing new campaigns to support local businesses
- Streamlining business permit processes
- Brimbank Local Program; with a focus on reactivation of local precincts
- Streamlining planning approvals that stimulate the economy and provide employment opportunities
- Brimbank Local Jobs for Local People Program
- Programs to be tailored to community need, delivered via neighbourhood houses/libraries and community centres and could include assistance with applying for employment.
