The Victorian government launched a $20 million initiative called the Small Business Digital Adaptation Program that aims to support sole traders as well as micro and small businesses that operate in Victoria.
Under the Victorian Government’s new initiative, businesses must register online via the Business Victoria website. To be eligible for the program, the business must be operating and located in Victoria, hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and are registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) on 13 September 2020.
There are also other businesses eligible for the program even when they are not registered for GST. These businesses include not-for-profit entities that are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission but are not required to be registered for GST. Other businesses that are not required by relevant taxation legislation to be registered for GST are also eligible to apply.
Eligible businesses may access selected products for trial. These products include website, e-commerce, finance and business management products. Software companies like Xero have partnered up with the Victorian Government in this program to help businesses discover the software their business needs and be able to expand and reach existing and new customers online. Other than the products, businesses can also access free digital adaptation training and workshops to help build their digital capability and implement online tools that can benefit their day-to-day business operations.
After the trial period and when businesses decide to purchase the product, they can then apply for a $1,200 rebate to cover 12 months’ access to their chosen product. After fully utilizing the rebate, businesses will pay the ongoing costs of access to their digital product.
Digital Products chosen by businesses must be new and not currently used by the business. It can also be an upgrade of an existing product with additional features providing specific digital adaptation capability, or a product that is available under the program that has been used by the business before that they would like to use again.
Registrations will be open until the $20 million allocated funds are exhausted or until 11.59 pm on 28 February 2021. For more information about the Small Business Digital Adaptation program, click here.
