Businesses in Tāmaki Makaurau can now access a range of support as they recover from the Auckland Anniversary weekend flooding.
The ‘Back to Work’ grants are not a substitute for insurance or compensation for all commercial losses a business has suffered from the recent flooding. They are designed to help small business get back on their feet sooner, stronger.
The categories for the Back to Work grants include:
- Up to $5000 (for businesses that are red or yellow stickered, or not currently operating, as a result of Auckland Anniversary weekend flooding)
- Up to $2000 (for businesses that are operating and have suffered a loss in excess of $2000, as a result of Auckland Anniversary weekend flooding)
- Up to $750 for business that are operating and have suffered a loss in excess of $750, but less than $2000, as a result of Auckland Anniversary weekend flooding)
To apply, businesses must:
- Be based in the Auckland region where a state of emergency has been declared as a result of the 2023 Auckland Anniversary weekend flooding
- Have no less than one employee, and no more than 20 full-time equivalents (a FTE is equivalent to 40 hours. For example, two employees working 20 hours is equivalent to one FTE)
- Have been directly impacted, including but not limited to, having sustained damage to property/stock and have been unable to trade during normal trading hours
- Face significant cashflow issues due to continued challenges with customer access, ability to source stock, or 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
- Commit to acting in line with employment law and with due regard to their employees
- Be relied on as a main source of income by its owner(s).
The Tāmaki Makaurau Business Network, which is a collaboration between sector Associations, including the Restaurant Association, the Auckland Business Chamber, the EMA, Whāriki Māori Business Network, the Pacific Business Trust, Retail NZ, Hospitality NZ, Heart of the City, and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, is mindful of the desirability of supporting the growth of Māori and Pacific small businesses, and those of ethnic communities, and expects that these businesses will have access to the package.
Applications for these grants can be made here or via 0800 005 605. Applications opened 16/2/2023.
Further support for businesses is being delivered through the Tāmaki Makaurau Business Network partners in the coming weeks that will support business continuity and resilience.
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