COVID-19 Business & Tourism Support Hub
Operating in this rapidly changing environment has never been more challenging. Here, you will find various support initiatives, accessible to businesses.
A Path Forward
As the Greater Hamilton region eases out of restrictions, we are here to support our business community as our local businesses adapt to the updated conditions. While this is still a time of rapid change and uncertainty, a sense of forward movement is apparent as we progress towards the goal of being ‘COVID normal’.
The Southern Grampians Shire Council is continuing to offer resources for local businesses as they navigate the changing environment, including free one-on-one consultations with experienced business advisors as well as digital marketing audits for those who want to expand their online presence. We also have resources detailing COVID safe practices for each industry, which is updated frequently to align with new measures.
Our Economic Development and Tourism team are continuing to provide support. If you’re interested in accessing any of our listed resources, or have a question you need answered, reach out to us for a chat today.
Ensure that your business gets the most out of
these initiatives developed by our team.
Access 1:1 Business Support with Colin Thompson
We have engaged the services of an experienced independent Small Business Support & Assistance Officer to assist local businesses through this crisis. Free, one-to-one consultations with Colin Thompson from the Small Business Mentoring Service are available for all businesses in the Southern Grampians Shire.
Colin will learn about your business and go through the plethora of financial packages you may be eligible for.
Check our Financial Relief Quick Reference Guide
Our team has curated a concise guide of financial support and relief packages for business, being offered from the State and Federal Governments, banks and the ATO.
This reference guide is being updated as new announcements are made, so please check back regularly to ensure you don’t miss an opportunity.
Book a 1:1 Digital Marketing Audit
Local businesses will benefit from a FREE Digital Marketing Audit – including a pre-consultation Questionnaire, a 1 hour consultation and follow-up action plan. This will provide individual assistance wherever you need it most in the digital side of your business, to make sure you’re well-positioned to survive and bounce back from COVID-19.
Register for Free Training, Workshops and Webinars
Engage with these resources to develop your skills and improve your business.
Collect Business as Unusual Decals & Posters
Businesses can collect their decals and posters from the Hamilton Spectator, Regent Florist, and Daktari Sport. Other distribution outlets include Post Offices in Balmoral, Coleraine, Dunkeld and Penshurst.
List Changes in our Business & Tourism Community Directory
Keep us abreast of any changes or innovations to your business, services and/or products – so we can assist in communicating these to residents or existing visitors to the region. Simply take a moment to fill in this form.
Join our Greater Hamilton Business & Tourism Facebook Group
Council have set up a new Facebook Group for Southern Grampians Shire-based businesses, service providers and event organisers to communicate updates during this pandemic.
You are invited to post any changes to your business operations so our team can help to communicate updates to potential customers, or you can complete this form. Our goal is to keep as many local businesses as possible open and viable during the challenging months ahead.
We are currently on the Last Step of the Coronavirus Roadmap. Please find below current resources to help your business stay COVID safe during this time.
Create your COVIDSafe Plan
A COVIDSafe Plan supports a business in the protection of its staff, customers and visitors. It also prepares you for a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus in the workplace.
It is mandatory for Victorian businesses to have a COVIDSafe plan. Please ensure you are following the guidance from the link below
Sector Restart Guidelines and FAQs
To ensure your business is operating in a safe manner, it is important to follow the guidelines set out in the link below.
The webpage features a comprehensive range of industries and services, and is regularly updated to reflect current health advice.
Current Restrictions
Find the latest information and pubic health advice regarding the current COVID-19 restrictions by following the link below.
Mapping Victoria’s pathway to COVID Normal for work, education and living.
This unexpected downturn is a great opportunity is to develop and work on your business. We’ve scoured the web to find some of the best resources to help you achieve your goals.
COVID-19 Business Support Bulletins
We’ve created easy to understand resources that point you to various forms of support and opportunities for you and your business.
LATEST BULLETIN
ISSUE 12
– Free Business Training Opportunities
– Advice in Applying Refusal of Service to Melburnians
– Tourism Accommodation Cancellation Fund
– Free Listing on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse
Published Tuesday 21 July 2020
Latest Blog Posts From Our Team
Free 1:1 Business Support with Colin Thompson
It has been a difficult task to adapt to the new rules and restrictions coming into place and changing so frequently, and while this is an uncertain time, the Southern Grampians Shire Council...
New Advice in Applying Refusal of Service Obligation to Melbournians
REFUSAL OF SERVICE OBLIGATIONS FOR REGIONAL BUSINESSES The Department of Jobs, Precincts & Regions has recently clarified the refusal of service rules in regards to travellers from the Melbourne...
Face Masks Now Mandatory in Regional Victoria
A quick guide on the do’s and don’ts of face masks and wear you can buy them locally
Our Team
You are not alone. The most important person to look after in your business is you, and we are here to help to provide the support you need. Pick up the phone or send us an email, whether you need business advice, contacts for counselling services or just a listening ear.
Economic Development Team:
Hugh Koch, Daryl Adamson,
Daniel Shaw, Leesa Iredell
E: ecodev@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au
P: 0409 797 446
Visitor Experience Team:
Mary McArthur, Simone Logan,
Stacey Barnes, Judy Schneider
E: hvic@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au (anytime)
P: 1800 807 056 (M-F 9 to 5pm)
Economic Development Team:
Hugh Koch, Daryl Adamson,
Daniel Shaw, Leesa Iredell
E: ecodev@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au
P: 0409 797 446
Visitor Experience Team:
Mary McArthur, Simone Logan,
Stacey Barnes, Judy Schneider
E: hvic@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au (anytime)
P: 1800 807 056 (M-F 9 to 5pm)