The Andrews Labor Government is supporting small businesses to improve indoor air-quality, keeping staff and customers safe this winter.

Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford today launched the next round of the $60 million Small Business Ventilation Program.

Eligible businesses can 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 $1,000 and $5,000 to invest in larger projects such as building works or engaging professional services or equipment to improve ventilation.

It comes as the Labor Government’s Stay Well in Winter campaign encourages everyone to take sensible, preventative actions to protect each other this winter.

Applications will be assessed for eligibility on a first-come, first-served basis until 11:00pm Thursday 8 September 2022 or when funds are exhausted.

The program builds on the Government’s already strong focus on improving ventilation to limit the spread of COVID-19. For more information on the program visit business.vic.gov.au.