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Sole Trader Support Fund Applications Now Open

Victorian Governments Sole Trader Support Fund is now open for application.

By Portal Admin - 28th September 2020 - Back to News

Member for Morwell Russell Northe wishes to advise local sole traders that the Victorian Governments Sole Trader Support Fund is now open for application.

The Sole Trader Support Fund provides up to $3,000 to assist eligible businesses with overhead costs during what has been an extraordinarily challenging time financially and emotionally.

Mr Northe said he still had concerns with respect to the eligibility criteria of this Fund, and also the exclusion of sole traders from the Governments previous funding programs.

"I have had so many sole traders contact me over recent weeks and months so upset at their exclusion from the Governments Business Support Fund, and when we received the news the Government was establishing a fund dedicated to supporting sole traders there was much rejoicing", Mr Northe said.

"However, when the detail was revealed it came to light that many sole traders would miss out under this program as well given it only applies to businesses operating out of commercial premises", Mr Northe continued.

"There are many businesses structured as sole traders who for varying reasons don’t operate out of a commercial premise but still have significant costs and overheads to contend with, yet they are eligible under this program which just does not make sense", Mr Northe said.

"The Government one the one hand has imposed restrictions that have effectively shut down many operations during the COVID pandemic, yet on the other hand many businesses have been excluded from receiving Government support and its little wonder many are aggrieved", said Mr Northe.

"Whilst I am pleased some sole traders will be recognised for support through this fund, others will miss out and this seems grossly unfair. It is also important to note that funding available for sole traders falls well short of what is available for other businesses under other Government programs which is disappointing", Mr Northe said.

"Any financial support for the business community at these times is welcomed from all levels of Government, but the inconsistency that applies in relation to sole traders is something that so many local business owners continue to raise with me", Mr Northe concluded.

For further information on the Sole Trader Support Fun and how to apply please see the website below:

https://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/businessresilience-package/sole-trader-support-fund

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

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  Tim Bull warns Victorian government’s reduced fuel reduction policies and record bushfire fuel loads are creating conditions for another mega-fire, urging urgent action to protect communities and support firefighters’ efforts.
• Victorian Agency for Health Information data shows ambulance services declining due to Labor's under‑resourcing, mismanagement and denial
  The latest data shows Victoria’s ambulance service declining, with fewer than 64% of Code 1 responses within 15 minutes, highlighting regional delays, under‑resourcing, and mismanagement under the Allan Labor government.
• Bass Coast Shire Council Draft Dogs in Public Places Guidelines community consultations open until 13 May 2026
  Bass Coast Council has released Draft Dogs in Public Places Guidelines for consultation, supporting the Domestic Animal Management Plan with feedback open until 13 May 2026 to improve dog management.
• West Gippsland CMA invites dairy farmers to join effluent management project, expressions of interest open from 1-30 April 2026
  South Gippsland dairy farmers can apply for funding from 1 April 2026 to improve effluent management, boost soil health, reduce river pollution, and implement sustainable farm practices with expert guidance.
• Latrobe City Council endorses Transition Reserve Policy to drive economic diversification, growth and long-term job creation
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed a Transition Reserve Policy to support economic diversification, fund enabling infrastructure, attract new industries, and allocate future surpluses to drive long-term regional growth and jobs.
• Latrobe City urges the Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety urgent activation of Traralgon Bank Street and Princes Highway traffic lights
  Latrobe City Council urges Victorian Ministers to urgently activate the Bank Street–Princes Highway traffic lights in Traralgon, addressing safety concerns after completed works remain non-operational since 2018.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• Darren Chester calls on Victorian government to prioritise rebuilding Sale College amid safety, ageing infrastructure concerns
  Darren Chester has urged the Victorian government to prioritise a new single-site campus for Sale College, citing deteriorating facilities, safety concerns, and long-standing community frustration.
• TRACE: Sea Ghosts & Other Phenomena showcases South Gippsland local artists’ work, open Fridays to Mondays until 20 April 2026
  TRACE: Sea Ghosts & Other Phenomena at Coal Creek showcases works by local artists across print, photography and film, open Friday to Monday and daily during school holidays until April 20.
• Bass Coast Shire Council joins Victorian councils urging review of mandatory separate kerbside glass recycling bin policy
  Bass Coast Council joins 35 Victorian councils urging the State Government to review mandatory glass recycling bins, seeking flexibility, transparency, cost-effectiveness and alignment with existing Container Deposit Scheme initiatives.