Government Support for SMEs in Markets Victoria (VIC)

**Government Support for SMEs in Markets — Victoria (VIC)** Government support for small businesses in Victoria is often misunderstood. It is rarely a single grant or one-off payment. Instead, support exists across **tax concessions**, **compliance frameworks**, **advisory services**, **event and tourism funding**, and **local council programs** — and it affects **stallholders** and **market operators** differently. This guide maps **real, verifiable Victorian government support**, clearly separated between **stallholders** and **market operators**, using official sources only. --- **A) Stallholders — Victoria** **1) Business setup & cost-reduction levers (Federal rules applied in VIC)** For most stallholders, the biggest financial wins come from understanding thresholds and concessions — not chasing grants. **ABN, business name & GST** * An **ABN** is generally required to trade at markets. * **GST registration** is required if turnover is **$75,000 or more**, or expected to exceed that threshold. * Voluntary GST registration can create unnecessary **BAS and reporting obligations** for micro-businesses. **Small business tax concessions** * Many **ATO small business concessions** rely on turnover-based eligibility. * Eligible businesses may access **simplified depreciation** and related concessions. **Instant asset write-off / depreciation** * Thresholds are set annually by the **ATO**. * Relevant for **POS systems, refrigeration, marquees, tools, vehicles, and equipment**. * Stallholders should confirm current-year rules before purchasing assets. **Why this matters** Many stallholders do not need a grant first — they need correct **threshold decisions** to avoid unnecessary compliance and reporting burdens. --- **2) VIC grants stallholders may qualify for** Victoria does not usually run grants specifically for “market traders”. Instead, stallholders should monitor **broader small business programs** and assess eligibility carefully. **Common grant categories** * Small business growth and capability * Digital tools (websites, POS, cyber security) * Energy efficiency and sustainability upgrades * Skills and training subsidies * Export readiness (product businesses only) **Critical distinction** Many programs are **not available to non-employing sole traders**. --- **3) Industry-specific compliance that acts as support** **Food businesses** * Local council registration and inspections * Food Safety Supervisor requirements * Compliance consistency reduces shutdown and penalty risk **Product businesses** * Labelling requirements (food, cosmetics, consumer goods) * Product safety standards where applicable **Insurance** * Public liability insurance is standard * Product liability may be required depending on goods sold --- **4) Non-grant government support** * Victorian Small Business Commission — dispute resolution and guidance * Business Victoria — advisory services and toolkits * Digital advisory and mentoring programs * Local economic development support via councils --- **B) Market Operators — Victoria** **1) The operator’s government ecosystem** Market operators interact directly with: * Local council permits and approvals * Land use, noise, traffic, waste, and signage requirements * Risk management and emergency planning * Vendor compliance enforcement obligations Council policy settings often have a **bigger financial impact** than grants. --- **2) Operator-relevant grants & programs** Operators may qualify for funding stallholders cannot access. **Typical funding categories** * Events and tourism grants (state and regional) * Community and place-making funding * Economic development and activation grants * Sustainability and waste minimisation programs * Equipment and infrastructure support --- **3) Compliance support that affects profitability** Operators can reduce cost and risk by standardising: * Vendor insurance requirements * Vendor agreements and declarations * Food compliance documentation * Safety, crowd, and emergency management templates --- **4) Vendor mix & funding alignment strategy** Funding success improves when markets align with Victorian government priorities such as: * Small business participation * Local employment * Tourism and visitation * Community wellbeing * Multicultural inclusion * Environmental sustainability --- **What’s commonly misunderstood in VIC** * “Grants are easy to get.” Most are competitive and co-funded. * “Stallholders and operators access the same support.” They do not. * “Council fees are fixed.” Some councils offer relief or support for community-aligned events. --- **Where to check first (VIC — official only)** * Business Victoria — Grants & support * Victorian Government — Grants portal * Local council grants and events pages * business.gov.au — Grants & programs * Australian Taxation Office (ATO) * Fair Work Ombudsman * Victorian Small Business Commission * Victorian Department of Health — Food business regulation