While COVID-19 is having far-reaching impacts across the events sector, the list of resources and support for businesses and event professionals is growing.

Here, we’re sharing some of the best support services, government packages and free resources to help you and your business through this time.

This list will be updated as more resources are made available. Get in touch to share your support services with our audience.

PCOA webinar series on post-coronavirus recovery

In order to prepare the events industry for life after COVID-19, the PCO Association is running a free webinar series with expert speakers.

This Thursday, 23 April, hear from event professional Ashley Gordon on what you can do now to prepare for the future.

Participants will take away a review of survival strategies that have worked in a PCO setting during past crises, suggestions for guiding clients through the options and challenges caused by COVID-19 and tips on getting ready for the “other side”.

Register for the free webinar here.

ATEC ‘Road to Recovery’ tutorial series

The Australian Tourism Export Council is offering a free 12-week tutorial program to support the tourism industry through this period.

More than 1200 people have registered to be part of the Road to Recovery tutorials, which air every Thursday at 2pm (AEST).

“We are offering our Road to Recovery tutorials free to the tourism industry in order to help individuals use this time as an investment in their future, learning and building on their strengths and finding new paths,” said ATEC managing director Peter Shelley.

Upcoming topics include: Week 1: Resilience, self-care, team care and how to work from home healthily; Week 2: Build your Road to Recovery checklist; Week 3: The virtual world – there’s never been a better time and Week 4: How to adapt and innovate in this new world.

For a full program and to register click here.

Beyond Blue’s free coronavirus support service

Beyond Blue has launched a free support service to help all Australians, including small business owners, cope with the impacts of COVID-19.

The dedicated service, funded by the Australian Government, features a range of information, strategies and advice to help support social and emotional wellbeing.

The resources include support for small business owners, people who have lost their job, health workers, parents and anyone in self-isolation. Find out more here.

JobKeeper payment

The Federal Government’s $130 billion JobKeeper wage subsidy payment has now passed through parliament, making it the single largest piece of government spending in Australian history.

Under the new package, businesses and sole-traders affected by COVID-19 can receive $1,500 per employee, per fortnight to help keep people in jobs.

To find out if your business is eligible for the subsidy, or to apply, click here.

Find out how event professionals reacted to the support package here.

WFH tax shortcut

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) recently announced a new tax shortcut, making it easier for people to claim deductions for working from home.

The new arrangement will allow people to claim a rate of 80 cents per hour for all their running expenses, rather than needing to calculate costs for specific running expenses.

Read our full breakdown of the initiative here.

TAFE NSW’s free short courses

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TAFE NSW is offering a series of fee-free short courses in conjunction with the NSW Government.

Open to NSW residents over the age of 17, the courses can be completed in just days or weeks, offering practical skills and experiences across a range of industries.

The courses are perfect for those looking to upskill while business is quiet or for people considering a new career path.

View the full list of fee-free short courses here.

Free hospitality and event sales consulting

Hospitality and event sales consulting agency We Surge is offering free services to support event professionals and businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the back of a successful series of webinars, We Surge founder Bree Wailes will offer four weeks of free consulting services to four businesses in the hospitality and event industries.

The weekly consulting service is valued at $2000 per business and aims to kick-start the recovery program for your business.

Register your interest here.

Free employee recognition program

To help businesses and employees doing it tough, EVT Incentive Marketing is offering free access to its Xtend employee recognition program for six months.

Free access includes no user fees for six months and the ability to opt in or out afterwards, your own branded recognition platform, plus access to reporting and program management.

Find out more here.