The Andrews Labor Government is supporting small businesses to improve indoor air-quality, keeping Victorians safe and reducing the spread COVID-19.
Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford today encouraged applications for the $60 million Small Business Ventilation Program.
“COVID-19 is still very much with us, so we are working with small businesses to help make premises safer,” said Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford.
“Improving ventilation will not only help reduce the spread of COVID-19, but it will also give customers confidence when walking through the doors of their local shops, cafes and bars.”
Eligible businesses can now access between $500 and $5000 for air ventilation and filtration equipment, works or professional services that will help improve air quality indoors.
Improving ventilation not only helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 it gives customers confidence businesses are doing everything they can to keep them safe.
Under the program, businesses can apply for two types of support:
- Ventilation Rebate – a $500 rebate to take immediate actions such as purchasing an air purifier or hiring a qualified tradesperson to undertake minor services to improve ventilation.
- Ventilation Grant – matched grants between $1000 and $5000 to invest in larger projects such as building works or engaging professional services or equipment to improve ventilation.
Good ventilation is important because COVID-19 is airborne and primarily spread between people breathing in very small droplets or aerosols containing the virus. The risk of aerosol transmission is higher in a poorly ventilated space because fine aerosol spray from an infected person can remain circulating, linger and spread more easily.
The Labor Government has released a Small Business Ventilation Guide to help businesses improve ventilation and reduce the spread of COVID-19 by encouraging air flow from outside. Business owners are encouraged to read this guide before applying.
Applications will be assessed for eligibility on a first-come, first-served basis until 11.59pm Friday 24 June 2022 or until funds are exhausted.
The Small Business Ventilation Program is part of a $200 million stimulus injection to support businesses recover from the pandemic.
The new program builds on the Government’s measures improving ventilation to limit the spread of COVID-19. For more information on improving ventilation in the workplace, visit coronavirus.vic.gov/ventilation.
