COVID-19 VIC: Business, Non-Profits, Individuals – Small Business Digital Adaptation Program

This program aims to help Victorian small businesses build their digital capability, as part of the Government's  $3 billion Business Resilience Package to help businesses impacted by ongoing restrictions and prepare for COVID-normal business. It seeks to help businesses to embed the use of practical digital tools that support their trading model and performance.

Businesses that participate in this program will progress through three key steps:
- Step 1 – Register for the program to participate in product trials and workshops. Registrations open 15 November 2020 and close 28 February 2021.
- Step 2 – Sign up for their preferred digital product available under this program.
- Step 3 – Apply for a purchase rebate of $1,200 to cover 12 months’ free access. Applications open 1 December 2020 and close 31 March 2021, or until funds are exhausted.

Purchase rebate is equivalent to at least 12 months’ access to a mid-range digital product available under this program. Access costs for foreign currency and sales percentage products will vary depending on exchange rates and use.

The program also offers free digital adaptation training and workshops to help registered businesses adopt and implement digital tools in their business.

A total funding pool of $20 million is available.

Eligible applicants include small businesses, sole trader, and micro businesses that must:
- Operate a business located in Victoria.
- Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN).
- Have held that ABN on 13 September 2019.
- Be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) on 13 September 2020.

Not-for-profit entities that are not registered for GST and are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission are eligible to apply.  

Businesses that are not required by relevant taxation legislation to be registered for GST are eligible to apply.

Eligible activities include adapting to a digital operating environment by trialling and adopting digital tools. Products chosen by eligible businesses must be:
- A new product not currently used by the business.
- An upgrade of an existing product with additional product features providing specific digital adaptation capability (for example, upgrading an existing website to an e-commerce site).
- A product available under the program that has been used by the business before (more than one year ago) that it would like to resume using.

The following are ineligible for funding:
- Renewals of existing product or software licences.
- Minor updates to existing products (for example, a software version update).
- Products that are not available under the program.