Early this week the Government announced a $25 million support package to help businesses in cyclone-affected regions to clean up and get back on their feet.

Initial grants up to a maximum of $40,000 per business, are to be distributed locally by Hawkes Bay Chamber of Commerce and Trust Tairawhiti in the Gisborne region.

Applications are now open. Please click here to apply today: https://form.jotform.com/230577778847880

You can apply if you are self-employed, a sole trader, or an employer of up to 50 full time staff.

Eligibility criteria will need to be met:

You must be in one of the 7 impacted locations

You’re facing significant cashflow issues due to continued challenges with customer access, ability to source stock, supply chain issues, inability to operate as usual due to premises, or delays in insurance assessment and repairs.

Your business is otherwise viable both before and after the flooding

You are not receiving any funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries recovery fund.

You commit to acting in line with employment law and with due regard to your employees

Further criteria may apply

You will need to include the following key information about your business:

Trading name/legal company name

Type of business

NZBN

Location

GST number

Number of staff

Short description of the impact your business has experienced.

The Government advise that this is only the first stage of government support for affected businesses and communities. They will continue to work closely with communities to access needs and expect to make further funding announcements in the near future.

If you would like any further information about this funding, please click here https://www.hbchamber.nz/busi.../cyclone-and-flood-recovery/

If you need any help with your application, please call our team on 06 8768124.