The package
What is the business support package?
On 26 February the Government announced details of the $25 million support package for impacted businesses in the seven regions hit by Cyclone Gabrielle and the January floods.
- the focus of the support will help firms maintain cashflow and position them for a successful recovery.
- Grants will support firms face significant cashflow issues due to continued challenges with 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.
- Businesses that support farming and horticulture will be eligible
- Farmers, growers, and whenua Māori owners can access a separate $25 million primary sector support fund
When will businesses be able to access the package, what is the go-live date?
The pace at which applications open will vary amongst the delivery partners. At this stage, there isn’t a set date. Local delivery partners will be working quickly to ensure those affected can access this support.
Who is responsible for delivering the recovery package?
The local delivery partners who will administer the grants are:
- Northland Inc
- Auckland Business Chamber
- Toi Economic Development Agency
- Thames Coromandel District Council
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce
- Taraua District Council
Criteria and eligibility
Who is eligible for the recovery package?
To apply for support, businesses must meet the following base criteria and there may be further criteria at the discretion of each local delivery partner:
- be primarily located where a regional State of Emergency was declared
- face significant cashflow issues due to continued challenges with 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
- be an otherwise viable business both before and after the flooding
- not have received any funding from the MPI recovery fund
- commit to acting in line with employment law and with due regard to its employees
Will sole traders and self-employed people qualify?
Yes. Sole traders and self-employed people may be eligible for support if they meet the criteria.
Are any businesses excluded from receiving support?
Businesses who have received funding through the MPI recovery fund will not be eligible to receive support through this package.
Are primary industry firms excluded from receiving this support?
As long as firms haven’t received funding through the MPI recovery fund they may be eligible to access this support if they meet the criteria.
Application
How fast will applications be processed to get cash out the door to businesses?
This will be up to each individual local delivery partner.
They are very aware of the urgency and are working at pace.
How long will it take to approve grants from when someone applies?
Application processing times may vary between our delivery partners. They will be working at pace to ensure this support gets to firms as quickly as possible.
What proof or information will people need that submit for approval?
- Local delivery partners will confirm the information they need to accept applications.
- In the meantime, we suggest you pull together key information about your business such as name, location, nature of business, and also information about the impact the cyclone has had on your business.
- We also recommend checking the Government grants for recovery support criteria.
What can people do to prepare for making their applications until it goes live?
- Local delivery partners will confirm the information they need to accept applications.
- In the meantime, we suggest you pull together key information about your business such as name, location, nature of business, number of staff; and also information about the impact the cyclone has had on your business
- We also recommend checking the Government grants for recovery support criteria.
Application outcomes - FAQs
