Victorian Aboriginal businesses will get the support they need to recover and thrive with grants of up to $10,000 unveiled in this week’s Victorian Budget 2020/21.

Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford said the $3 million First Peoples’ COVID-19 Business Support Fund will benefit eligible Aboriginal businesses that have experienced temporary closures, trading restrictions or other issues relating to the pandemic that have had a significant impact on operations and income.

The economic advancement of Aboriginal Victorians is critical for self-determination – that’s why the Andrews Labor Government is providing grants to meet business costs and salaries, develop marketing activities, pivot the business to better suit the current environment or seek financial advice to support business continuity planning.

Victorian Aboriginal businesses could be eligible for a grants of up to $10,000, with Kinaway Chamber of Commerce to receive $150,000to provide certification, taxation and other advice, and to promote the Fund to Aboriginal businesses.

Support for Aboriginal businesses adds to the overall Budget investment in small business, including the $6 million Small Business Support Toolkit and the $5 million Ready for Growth Initiative, helping businesses to digitise and innovate, adapt to meet changing customer needs, reach new markets and create jobs.

The Budgetalsoinvests $7.3 million to support opportunity and economic prosperity for Victorian Aboriginal communities through support for bodies including Kinaway and investment in Aboriginal tourism initiatives.

More information on the First Peoples’ COVID-19 Business Support Fund is available at business.vic.gov.au.