There has been a focus on improved ventilation to reduce spread of the airborne COVID-19 virus since the pandemic begun and the Victorian Government has launched both a rebate and grant option for small businesses to help improve their air quality.

Ventilation Rebate

The Victorian Government is offering a $500 ventilation rebate for small businesses who wish to undertake small adjustments to improve ventilation in their public-facing business.

The rebate funds are designed to assist in works or equipment to improve ventilation or purification through repairs, maintenance or installation.

You may wish to replace mechanical air-conditioning filters, fix malfunctioning windows, purchase an air purifier or more. Read the Small Business Ventilation Guide to see how you can improve ventilation of your business and learn about the different types of eligible improvements.

Ventilation Grant

The Ventilation Grant allows small businesses to invest in larger projects relating to the improvement of their air quality in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

If you have proof of eligible expenses purchased from 1 January 2022 or proof of your financial commitment to works to be completed by 15 November 2022, you can apply for your grant now.

Grant amounts will match dollar for dollar for amounts between $1,000 and $5,000.

As with the Ventilation Rebate, the expenditure can be for repairs, maintenance, purchase and installation. You can view the Small Business Ventilation Grant Guidelines for ideas on eligible ways to improve your business ventilation.

Rebate or Grant Eligibility

To be eligible for either the Ventilation Rebate or Ventilation Grant, businesses must:

• hold a valid ABN
• operate from a fixed and public facing address
• be registered for GST on and from 18 February 2022
• hold public liability insurance
• have a Victorian payroll below $10 million.

To be eligible for the grant, businesses must also be registered with WorkSafe Victoria and be registered with the responsible Federal or State regulator.

Applications for the Victorian Small Business Ventilation Program Rebate and Grant close on Thursday 8 September 2022.

If you are seeking advice on how the Ventilation Rebate or Grant affects your business, please contact us on 03 5443 0344 or afs@afsbendigo.com.au.