As Victorian business owners may already be aware, the State Government of Victoria last week reopened the Small Business Digital Adaptation program, offering eligible Victorian businesses a rebate of up to $1200 to help get them set up online.
As a partner in the program, this means that your business may be eligible for a rebate on new Square products your business purchases to help get online. You can view our original guide on applying for this program via the Town Square Blog, otherwise we've copied the content below for the convenience of our Seller Community members.
How to apply for the rebate
Step 1: Check if your business is eligible
To be eligible, your business must be located & operating in Victoria; hold an Australian Business Number (ABN); have held that ABN & registered for GST on 13 Sept 2019.
Step 2: Sign up to Square
Sign up with Square if you’re not already an existing Square user, and purchase your preferred hardware or software solution. Simply download the invoice for the new product, service or upgrade and submit it to the Victorian Government for reimbursement of up to $1,200.
Step 3: Submit your invoice to the Victorian Government
After you have confirmed your business is eligible, and you’ve completed step 2, you need to complete the Government’s online rebate application form. Ensure you answer all questions and provide the required information, including proof of purchase. Once your application is accepted, the Victorian Government will reimburse you directly.
FAQ
What do I receive for being part of this program?
Eligible businesses could receive a rebate of up to $1,200 to access selected digital business management tools for 12 months.
How do I know if my business is eligible?
The Small Business Digital Adaptation Program is for sole traders, micro businesses and small businesses. To be eligible for the program an applicant must:
- Operate a business located in Victoria;
- Hold an Australian Business Number (ABN); and
- Have held that ABN on 13 September 2019.
For more information on eligibility, you can contact Business Victoria on 13 22 15 or visit the Victorian Government website.
How long does the program run for?
EDIT: The newly extended program will run from the 4th April 2022, with a closure date of 18th July 2022, unless program funds are exhausted prior.
The extended program will run from 16 August 2021 to 5 December 2021, or until allocated funds are exhausted.
What products/services does the program cover?
Products and services chosen by eligible businesses must be:
- New, and not currently used by the business; or
- An upgrade of an existing product/service with additional features providing specific digital adaptation capability (for example, upgrading an existing website to have more sophisticated eCommerce functionality); or
- A product/service available under the program that has been used by the business before (more than 12 months ago) that it would like to resume using.
Can I use the rebate to purchase Square hardware?
Yes. As per the Program guidelines, as long as the proof of purchase submitted with your rebate application also shows the purchase or upgrade of a digital product (such as Square POS). For example, you could download your processing invoice with Square POS and submit that alongside your hardware receipt.
Still have more questions about the Program? It’s best to visit the Program website or contact Business Victoria directly on 13 22 15.
Have you been able to successfully qualify for this program? Are you aware of any other digital adaption programs, or similar, available in other states? Please feel free to comment below!
Seamus
Square, Australia
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