Four weeks down and the signs are positive that in a few weeks’ time, we may be able to return to our premises of work and interact face to face our customers again.

It has been a tough few weeks, so before I dive headfirst into the topic of this week’s blog, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the sacrifices we have all made in order to protect our vulnerable and break the chain of COVID-19. Our efforts have not been in vain, well done.

We know times are tough for business right now, so the content of this blog is dedicated to providing vital links of support that can help your business weather this storm. Some you may have already seen as they were mentioned in our last newsletter, but others have only been announced this week.  

Financial Help

On the 20^th April, the Government announced a number of measures to support small and medium-sized businesses in particular. These include:

• Greater flexibility for business taxpayers with respect to statutory tax deadlines
• Changes to the loss continuity rules
• A tax loss carry-back scheme
• Measure to support commercial tenants

Click here to find out what these measures entail.   

Wage subsidy

If you haven’t already applied for financial support for wages during level 4 and level 3 restrictions, you can do so here

Facebook grants

Facebook have offered advertising grants and funding for small businesses. Click here for more information on how to apply. 

Creative industries

If you are in the arts and creative industries, you can apply for financial support from CreativeNZ

Business Mentoring & Funding

COVID-19 Advisory Funding

The Regional Business Partner (RBP) Network has received funding from the Government’s business response package and is using it to help a business pay for one-on-one advice and support from their advisors. Businesses can receive advice on HR, health & wellness, business continuity plans or financial management matters. Companies do need to register in order to be eligible for funding. You can find more information about how to access support here.

Business Mentors

Small business and social enterprises who would like to receive support from Business Mentors during this time will have their registration fees covered by NZTE and MBIE. To access mentoring support, click here to register with Business Mentors. Use the code COVID to receive free support. 

Support for food supply companies

FoodSouth have offered low-cost/free support to food supply companies that need help with:

• Review of ingredient and packaging pricing and supply
• Reformulation of recipes to remove cost
• Analysis of production process for quick win efficiencies
• Provision of foodsafe production facilities

Click here to find out how they can help your company and who to contact for more information.

Canterbury Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce has created a series of webinars for business. Watch them online here.

Employment matters

Temporary migrants and international students can now assist with essential services as the Government has agreed to relax visa conditions for a limited time. More information can be found here. Immigration New Zealand have also created a dedicated COVID-19 web page for migrants and refugees.

Mental Health Support

It is ok to feel overwhelmed at the moment, we know that business owners, in particular, can feel like everything rests on their shoulders and it is a heavy burden indeed. But please know that you are not alone and support is available.

You need to look after your own mental health too and the Ministry of Health has put together a list of services that are available to help you get through. COVID-19 has been a shock to the system and it will take time to adjust. But as our Prime Minister has said, we are a team of nearly 5 million people and as a team, we will get through this.