Victorian businesses from 11am today can apply for vouchers to help them take advantage of open-air trading opportunities as the state prepares for the next major stage of reopening on Friday.

More than 7,000 vouchers valued at $2,000 are available to help pay for the hire and purchase of furniture and equipment and other costs as part of the Victorian Government’s new $54.5 million Outdoor Economy Package.

Public health settings for regional and metropolitan Victoria come together at 6pm on Friday as we enter Phase C of the Roadmap to Deliver the National Plan and significant new freedoms are shared across the state – some 20 per cent of the vouchers will be reserved for regional businesses.

The COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Voucher Program is open to businesses, community organisations, not-for-profits, charities and trader associations to set up street trading and invigorate local areas.

Successful businesses will be able to use their voucher for expenses including purchasing and hiring marquees, screens and umbrellas, obtaining insurance and promoting outdoor operations, to a limit of $2,000.

Restaurants, cafes, hotels and bars are eligible to apply for vouchers, as are hairdressers, beauty services, dance studios, gyms and retail shops – including Brunswick fashion label Kindling which has created a welcoming space for customers to browse and try on clothes in its courtyard. The courtyard had previously been used for staff breaks.

Applicants to the program must provide a plan detailing how they will move their business activities outdoors, and provide proof that the voucher payment has been spent on eligible items within three months.

The Outdoor Economy Package also includes the $40 million COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Fund which is helping councils transform outdoor areas with new street furniture, landscaping and public art as well as entertainment.

For more information on the COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation Voucher Program – and to apply – go to vic.gov.au/covidsafe-outdoor-activation-voucher-program.

The City of Melbourne will continue to be supported separately through the $200 million Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund – the Government is working with the City of Melbourne to bring visitors back to the city and provide support for businesses, including to establish and enhance outdoor operations.