Apply for a wage subsidy
Applications for the wage subsidy are open. Businesses impacted by the move to Alert Level 4 (from 17 August, 2021) can apply for the Government’s wage subsidy. Wage subsidy applications are now open and will close at 11.59pm on Thursday, 2 September, 2021. All New Zealand businesses and self-employed people that meet eligibility criteria can apply for this subsidy.
Access a resurgence payment
The Resurgence Support Payment (RSP) is a payment to help support viable and ongoing businesses or organisations due to a COVID-19 Alert Level increase to Level 2 or higher. If your business or organisation is facing a reduction in revenue, you may be eligible for the RSP.
A business or organisation must have experienced at least a 30% drop in revenue or a 30% decline in capital-raising ability over a 7-day period, due to the increased COVID-19 alert level.
When the RSP is activated, eligible businesses and organisations can apply to receive the lesser of:
- $1,500 plus $400 per full-time equivalent (FTE) employee, up to a maximum of 50 FTEs
- Four times (4x) the actual revenue decline experienced by the applicant
Get your business online
Making sure your business has online presence is also important during alert level changes. Digital Boost is a resource which can help get your business online. Digital Boost provides free online tools to help do business online, create digital strategies, streamline business practices and use digital tools for growth. The Digital Boost programme uses self-paced training and tools and teaches skills to launch businesses into the digital world.
Contact us directly for support
Our local economy has dealt well with the effects of Covid before. It has been resilient, it will be again. Please get in touch with us directly if you are needing urgent business support clarification, our Whanganui & Partners section can connect you with our team.
Advice available for the rural sector
Government-developed guidance is available for those working in the primary industries. This includes advice for farms and agricultural businesses during Alert Level 4, and Alert Level 3.
Small Business Cashflow Loan Scheme
If you employ 50 or fewer staff, you may be able to apply for the Small Business Cashflow Loan Scheme. This is a one-off 5 year loan. You can borrow a maximum of $10,000 plus $1,800 per full-time-equivalent employee within your business.
Loans will be interest free if they are paid back within 2 years. The interest rate is 3% for a maximum term of 5 years.
Help with your tax
Inland Revenue may be able to help if your business is finding it hard to meet your tax obligations due to COVID-19.
