The Government is providing $25 million in grants to help businesses in cyclone-affected regions clean up and get back on their feet.
This is part of the initial $50 million emergency package agreed by Cabinet.
They will be capped at $40,000 per business while the Government assesses the overall demands for the fund.
“As we work swiftly in this response not every community and business is going to have the same needs," said Minister of Regional Development and MP for East Coast, Kiri Allan.
“Through this package our local delivery partners will be using their grassroots knowledge and robust networks to tell us what they need, to ensure the funding is being distributed in the best way possible to meet the needs of their communities.”
This announcement adds to the $25 million in support that is already going out the door to our farmers and growers and the announcement of a new recovery visa to help bring in more workers to help with the recovery.
The agencies distributing the business support grants will be:
· NorthlandInc
· Auckland Business Chamber
· Toi Economic Development Agency
· Thames Coromandel District Council
· Trust Tairāwhiti
· Hawkes Bay Chamber of Commerce
· Tararua District Council
“Our priority is to get this initial emergency support out as quickly as possible," said Minister of Finance and Cyclone Recovery, Grant Robertson.
"The Government has established agreements with local delivery partners to make it happen.
“Each local agency will have their own processes, but the Government has provided the funding to address the immediate cash flow needs of businesses.
"This includes those that have been impacted due to barriers to customer access, ability to source stock, supply chain issues, inability to operate as usual due to physical damage to equipment or premises, or delays in insurance assessment and repairs.
"We are working closely with communities to assess needs and expect to make further announcements in the coming days and weeks."
Along with the grants scheme, $250,000 will be provided for the Employers and Manufacturers’ Association to extend the reach of its employer helpline.
$600,000 for the Regional Business Partners will also be supplied to increase the amount of business advice they can offer.
The First Steps mental wellbeing initiative is available for use by businesses in affected regions with costs covered by the recent funding injection after the Auckland floods.
More information on the business support is available here.
