Applications Now Open for State Government’s Business Bushfire Recovery Grant Program

Following expressions of interest sought earlier in the year, applications for the State Government’s Business Bushfire Recovery Grant Program are now open.

The State Government previously announced that the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) will deliver more than $24 million in essential support to Western Victoria businesses affected by the December 2024 bushfires.

Grants of a one-off-payment of up to $5,000 are available to eligible small businesses, including eligible primary producers, that experienced a significant decline in their revenue due to the 2024-25 Western Victoria bushfires.

The grant can be used for:

•    essential business costs such as utilities, rates, stock replacement and rent.
•    seeking financial advice to help with business recovery.
•    adjusting the business to be viable in the changed local context following the bushfires.
•    expanding the business through targeted marketing and communications; or
•    making your business more resilient to future disasters.

Applications close on 13 November 2025, or until funding allocation is exhausted.

To find out more, and to apply, please visit the Business Victoria website.

Additional support is also available through the Business Recovery Advisory Service, a free, and confidential service for local business recovery. Connect with a Business Recovery Adviser by phone, online, or in person for assistance with grant applications, links to other vital support services, and guidance on your recovery journey

To access the Business Recovery Advisory Service, visit Business Victoria's website. 

This program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for the 2024-25 Western Victoria bushfires which commenced in December 2024.

“Our expectation is that this program will deliver meaningful support to both our primary producers and local businesses," says Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong.

“To those members of our business community impacted by the Grampians-Yarram Gap Road bushfires, including those who may not consider themselves part of the tourism sector but are equally eligible and in need of support, I urge you to apply for this funding.”