Small business support during COVID-19

City of Vincent Support

The City of Vincent has been working on measures to provide relief and support for our community and local businesses impacted by COVID-19.

The City's COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Strategy (Strategy) was endorsed at the Special Council Meeting on 30 March 2020 and the City’s Rebound Plan, an addendum to Strategy, was adopted on 15 September 2020. These documents are available here

The Rebound Plan is a locally responsive action plan designed to support the City’s community and business return to strong economic performance. The Rebound Plan provides a comprehensive list of the initiatives the City is undertaking to support small business and encourage community connection. The progress of these initiatives is reported quarterly to Council. The most recent update report is available here (Item 9.6).

In addition to the Rebound Plan, the City is proving support for small businesses through the provision of:

  • Advisory services to provide advice to restaurant, pub and café owners who want to convert to takeaway-only venues.
  • Advisory services to support businesses meet their mandatory contract tracing requirements
  • Modified on-street parking arrangements to support takeaway services and deliveries.
  • Increased Ranger presence in town centres to provide assistance.
  • A change of use amnesty for planning applications.
  • Arts relief funding to support local artists and creatives using Percent for Art developer contribution cash-in-lieu funds.
  • Recovery planning and identification of initiatives to assist with economic rebound.

Outdoor Eating Area (Alfresco) and Goods Display

The City is committed to supporting businesses during restrictions and has made changes to our outdoor eating area and goods display requirements.

Businesses are now able to expand outdoor eating areas and goods displays in front of neighbouring tenancies, provided they have obtained the appropriate permission.

To apply for a free Outdoor Eating Area or Goods Display Permit and/or make use of this new provision, please visit our online permit application page below and complete your application.

Online permits

Parklet Fee Free Trial

To maximise the use of public space during the COVID-19 restrictions, the City is conducting a 24-month Parklet Fee Free Trial to enable businesses to transform on-road parking bays into extended outdoor eating areas and goods displays for free.

New and existing Parklets are now free to host until 30 June 2022.

Parklets Policy & Trial Information

Buying local

As part of our response to COVID-19, we are prioritising our own spending with businesses and contractors within the City of Vincent. The WA Local Government Association has facilitated this through a platform called VendorPanel Marketplace. VendorPanel Marketplace is a proven local economic development tool that helps buyers connect with local suppliers.

We strongly encourage suppliers within the City of Vincent to register, so we can do our bit to buy local and continue to support our business community. Registration with the platform is easy and entirely free.

VendorPanel Marketplace

Resources for Small Business

Federal Government Support

On 12 March, the Federal Government announced a $17.6 billion small business stimulus/relief package. Since then, two additional funding packages have been announced - $66 billion on 22 March and a further $130 billion on 30 March. Each funding package has covered a range of measures to support businesses through the COVID-19 crisis. Click below for full details and to see what support is available to your business.

Australian Government small business stimulus/relief package

State Government Support

On 16 March, the WA State Government announced $114 million in measures to support small businesses as part of a $607 million total stimulus package. Click below for full details and to see what support is available to you.

WA Government small business stimulus/relief package

Lotterywest COVID-19 Relief Fund

WA Premier Mark McGowan and Lotterywest have established a $159 million COVID-19 relief fund to provide support to organisations experiencing hardship. Grants are available for crisis and emergency relief support for eligible not-for-profit and community organisations. The funding will also provide financial relief for not-for-profit sports, arts and community organisations who had lost revenue due to cancelled events.

Eligible not-for-profit organisations and community groups can apply immediately for grant support by clicking on the link below or calling 133 777

www.lotterywest.wa.gov.au/grants

Small Business Development Corporation

The Small Business Development Corporation has a number of useful resources available online, including a free advisory service, free online workshops and information tailored to small business owners.

Free small business advisory service

Free online webinars and workshops for small businesses

COVID-19 information for small business owners

Other Resources

Federal Government - COVID-19 information for businesses

Australian Taxation Office - COVID-19 Information

Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA | Responding to COVID-19

Australian Banking Association - financial hardship information

Financial Counselling Australia

More Information

Contact our Place Managers on 9273 6000 or email mail@vincent.wa.gov.au for information and resources to help support your business.

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