"We're very excited for the next step of the plan, as it gives our local businesses their first step towards economic recovery," said Ararat Rural City chief executive Dr Harrison.

"We want to help as much as possible and are working to make accessing assistance as quick and simple as possible."

WANT TO READ MORE OF TODAY'S NEWS? CLICK HERE

ARCC has been working closely with the Victorian Government to ensure hospitality businesses are able to open safely.

This includes accessing support funding and making sure that any paperwork is simple to follow and quick to be acted upon.

"Hospitality businesses will be able to access up to $5000, which can be spent on new equipment and training staff to follow health and safety guidelines," Dr Harrison said.

"This funding will help all our businesses open and adapt to the new restrictions."

ARCC is also working to ensure that any permits required for businesses, such as outdoor dining and liquor licensing are simple and promptly acted upon.

"It's important that we make everything as efficient and transparent as possible for our businesses," Dr Harrison said.

"We are ensuring any requests for permits are simple to lodge and quick to receive an outcome."

Further information is available on the Business Victoria website at www.business.vic.gov.au.

Do you have a story to share? Get in touch - taylor.padfield@austcommunitymedia.com.au.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.

If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Ararat Advertiser, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ararat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great town.