If your business is being affected there are resources that can help:
Up to date health information and guidance
Visit the Australian Government Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert.
Visit Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services or for simplified Chinese translations visit the information page for the Chinese community. For other languages please call the Translating and Interpreting Services on 131 450.
The Victorian Chamber’s advice on protecting your employees.
You can also find a collection of coronavirus (COVID-19) resources in both English and Simplified Chinese at the Australian Government Department of Health. For example:
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) – what you need to know
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources in Simplified Chinese
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) - For travel, transport and hotel industries.
For current travel advice check the Smart Traveller website.
Workplace impacts
We encourage employees and employers to work together to find appropriate solutions that suit the needs of individual workplaces and staff.
For information and assistance on any aspect of your employment obligations, the Victorian Chamber Workplace Relations Advice Line (03) 8662 5222 can help.
Financial impacts
If the impacts of Coronavirus (COVID-19) are causing financial hardship for your business, your bank may have practical ways to help. Australian banks have hardship teams ready to assist you with your financial arrangements, depending on your circumstances.
Download the fact sheet to see some of the ways your bank can help you when you’re experiencing financial difficulty and see a list of Australian bank hardship team contact details.
The Small Business Mentoring Service offers low-cost sessions with a diverse range of mentors that can help you to navigate difficult business decisions, prepare business continuity plans, review your business strategy or revise your business plans. Or a free 45-minute session with an experienced business adviser is available via the Small Business Bus.
Stress savvy in business and Heads Up for Small Business have advice and resources to help you look after your own mental health and manage mental health issues you may experience in the workplace.
Support is also available to you and your family from Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636 or online chat).
Trade and export assistance
The Australian Government’s Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) provide Australian businesses with export finance solutions and may be able to assist. They provide export loans, guarantees, bonds and buyer finance solutions help businesses access finance.
The Victorian Chamber’s international consulting services can guide you through the global marketplace, providing support, strategies and practical advice.
Other resources:
See your local Victorian Government Business Office (VGBO) - staffed with Business Development Managers (BDMs) who are specialists in business and industry, they can support you and help you navigate any relevant government services, programs and regulations.
Access the Victorian Chamber Business Energy Advice Program for free, independent energy advice, tailored to your business that can help you save on energy costs.