In this newsletter:

• Westpac NZ launches $1 million fund to help flood-hit small businesses

• Join us at the Pacific Response Hub in Māngere

• Next week, PBT workshops now online

• Understanding your workforce challenges

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Westpac NZ launches $1 million fund to help flood-hit small businesses

Westpac have today announced a $1 million fund to help small businesses in the Upper North Island affected by the recent floods and let their customers know they are here for them. Eligible Westpac small business customers can apply for a $2,500 cash grant to help with urgent expenses or repairs. For full eligibility criteria and to make an application go to: www.westpac.co.nz This will make a meaningful difference for small business customers who have been hard hit by the floods. The fund is in addition to possible support options already announced:

• Suspension of principal payments for up to three months on home loans and business loans.

• Deferred payment on business credit cards for up to three months.

• A temporary overdraft facility for business customers.

• Access to term deposit funds for consumer customers.

• Hardship support for customers with significant financial challenges.

Summary of cash grants 

• $2,500 in cash grants to eligible small businesses affected by flooding in the upper North Island in 2023. In order to be eligible to apply, a customer must be a small trading business and:

• Be based in a region that has declared a state of emergency since Friday 27 January. So far this includes Auckland, Northland and Waitomo.

• Have their main business account with Westpac NZ. 

• Have less than $2 million turnover per year from their combined businesses.

• Have experienced damage or business interruption resulting in a loss exceeding $2,500.

• Be relied on as a main source of income by its owner.

Approval of applications are at Westpac NZ’s discretion. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Summary of other possible support options offered by Westpac NZ for business and personal customers affected by flooding

• Suspension of principal payments for up to three months on home loans and business loans for customers experiencing hardship.

• Deferred payment on business credit cards for up to three months.

• A temporary overdraft facility for business customers.

• Access to term deposit funds for consumer customers suffering hardship.

• Hardship support for customers with significant financial challenges.

Don’t delay!! The fund will remain available up until it is fully allocated or until 5pm on Friday 24 February 2023, whichever is earlier. Visit here

Join us at the Pacific Response Hub in Māngere

Come see the team at the Pacific Response Hub in Māngere if your Pacific business has been affected by recent flooding and weather events and you would like some support to help get back up and running again.

We’re here today, tomorrow and Saturday. 

Located at the Congregational Church of Jesus Christ, 4 Waddon Place, Māngere (town centre).

The Hub is a joint venture between key central and local government agencies and local South Auckland community providers, activated by South Seas Healthcare Trust in partnership and collaboration with government agencies, aligning with the Pacific Wellbeing Strategy. 

Hub partners include South Seas Healthcare Trust, Vaka Tautua, Pasefika Family Health Group, Pacific Homecare, Siaola, this Ministry, Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Education and Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People, with more to come.  

Check out also Business.govt.nz’s handy guide with information and advice here. 

If you can’t make it along to the Pacific Response Hub, then just call us to speak to one of our team by phoning 0800 287 7526 between 8.30am and 5.00pm or email us at info@pacificbusiness.co.nz.

Next week, PBT workshops now online

Our workshop schedule has had a change for next week moving to online.

Register now to attend: Understanding Tenders & Contracts in Construction workshop. Visit our website ‘Events’ page. Link here

Understanding your workforce challenges

There’s still time to take a short survey to share your workforce challenges with the MSD who are tailoring initiatives and strategic partnerships to better assist employers.

Responses are anonymous, and only summarised information will be published. Take 5 minutes to have your challenges and requirements heard. Please feel free to share the survey with other Pacific businesses. The survey is open until 14 February.

Click here to fill out survey

We hope you have a good weekend.

The PBT team

Pacific Business Trust

www.pacificbusiness.co.nz