It doesn't matter what business you have owned, run or worked for, since March 2020 it has been a challenging time for all.
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One industry which has been hit hard includes gyms and health and fitness centres, who have been forced to close on each occasion Victoria has been placed into lockdown.
Elite Contender 24-7 Gym owner Damien Smith said 2021 has been tougher for him to run his business than 2020.
"This year has been more challenging financially," he said.
"When we first when into lockdowns we had the financial support with JobKeeper and grants, but this year we haven't had JobKeeper.
"We have been trying to survive off the grants and we are trying to cover our rent and our bills.
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"We have managed to scrape through and it is good to see the doors open again."
Mr Smith owns three gyms with sites in Stawell ,Warracknabeal and Nhill.
He said the past 18 months have been a strain, with the challenges of working as a sole trader having an impact on his personal life.
"It has been a long year with the inconsistencies of opening and closing especially trying to open up three gyms in the last 18 months," he said.
"It has been a lot more stressful and trying to get by with my own personal bills and expenses has been a challenge as well.
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"It has definitely been stressful and frustrating at times.
"We have always tried to stay positive and take it one day at a time."
Mr Smith said he has received government grants in the past few months with have ensure he can keep his doors open.
"We received a couple of payments and we have tried to look after funds because we never knew when we were going into a lockdown
"We haven't missed a rent payment at any of our gyms, we haven't missed any insurance payments and we have managed to scrape through even though we are a new business that has just opened in these times.
"A lot of people are happy we are open."
On the State Government website, it states gyms are open if everyone present (including staff) are fully vaccinated, is under 16 or has a valid medical exemption.
Density limits of one person per 4 sqm apply indoors, or one person per 2 sqm for up to 500 people outdoors.
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