We're here to support you
It’s a difficult, uncertain time for businesses.
Here you’ll find the support we can give you and your business.
To talk about your situation, contact your business banking relationship manager or your local branch.
This page is updated regularly so keep visiting.
JobKeeper payment
Announced Monday 30 March, businesses impacted by COVID-19 will receive a fortnightly wage subsidy of $1,500 per employee as part of a Federal Government bid to prevent millions of people from losing their jobs to the coronavirus pandemic.
Register your interest for the subsidy via the ATO website.
For a detailed fact sheet including eligibility criteria, visit the Australian Government's Treasury website.
Supplementary Small Business Relief Package
From 30 March any business customer with facilities up to $10 million can defer principal and interest repayments for six months. Please note if customers choose to defer repayments, interest will be capitalised, meaning interest and fees will be added to your loan balance with either the term of the loan extended, or payments increased after the deferral period.
To qualify, customers must confirm their business has been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and be no more than 90 days in arrears at the date of the application. The package is also available to commercial property landlords who have provided assurance to the bank they will not take any action against their tenants for the repayment relief period.
For business customers with facilities above $10 million, relief will continue to be considered on a case by case basis.
Contact your business banking relationship manager or call 1300 236 344 for more information and to check your eligibility.
Small Business Relief Package
The Small Business Relief Package is now available to customers. This package includes business loan relief for up to six months.
Contact your business banking relationship manager or call 1300 236 344 to check eligibilty.
Financial assistance package
We continue to offer our normal financial assistance package to business customers on a case-by-case basis. This includes:
- Deferred principal and interest repayments or term extensions
- Fees waived to restructure or consolidate loans
- Other fees waived or deferred
- Waive merchant terminal rental fee for three months
- No interest rate reduction for early withdrawals on term deposits
Business loan interest rate cut
From 10 April, business loan variable reference rates will reduce by 1.00% p.a. for residentially secured business loans and 0.75% p.a. for non-residential and unsecured.
Small business fixed rates will also be cut by up to 0.82% p.a. depending on the term and security of the loan. This cut is effective from 3 April 2020.
Contact your business banking relationship manager or call 1300 236 344 for details.
SME Guarantee Scheme
The Government is establishing the Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
We are working with Treasury and the Australian Banking Association on how the Government Guarantee will be implemented.
For further details on the scheme visit the Australian Government's Treasury website.
If you’re a business banking customer, speak to your business banking relationship manager or contact your local branch for help. Support is also available by calling 1300 236 344.
Agribusiness customers
Rural Bank is also helping agribusiness customers with assistance measures. This is in addition to existing support to those recovering from drought and bushfires.
If you’re a Rural Bank customer, contact your relationship manager, call our customer service team on 1300 660 115 or visit Rural Bank.
Federal government assistance
The Federal Government is helping with a stimulus package for small businesses. Please contact your accountant to find out if you qualify.
The Government’s stimulus will assist businesses to manage cashflow challenges and help businesses retain their employees.
Other considerations
Staff issues
How people are working is changing.
FairWork have prepared a detailed summary of most staff-related issues to help you meet your obligations.
Your accountant can help answer your questions and work through staff issues.
Loan repayments & tax liabilities
Managing cash flow during this pandemic is critical.
Bendigo Bank is part of an industry-wide effort to help businesses by offering a Small Business Relief Package.
The ATO is also helping by allowing businesses to request deferrals on tax or BAS payments.
If you’re experiencing or anticipating cash flow issues, act now. Contact your business banking relationship manager.
More support information from the Australian Government
- Business.gov.au support line 13 28 26
- Small or medium business with reduced cash flow?
Factsheet - Cashflow assistance for businesses - Is your business financially distressed?
Factsheet - Providing temporary relief for financially distressed businesses - Assisting the economic recovery
Factsheet - Delivering support for business investment - Employ an apprentice or trainee?
Factsheet - Cash flow assistance for businesses - Are you a sole trader that has lost business?
Factsheet - Income support for individuals
Visit the Australian Government's Treasury website and the Australian Government website for more information on the Government's response to Coronavirus.
