In this newsletter:

• Grants for services update

• Join us for our next drop-in clinic ‘Understanding Xero’

• February workshop calendar

• New face mask requirements 

• Employment and COVID-19 information in many languages

• Have your say on the New Zealand Income Insurance Scheme

Grants for services update

As we all navigate the complexities of COVID-19 and the ever-changing business environment continues to impact, the Pacific Business Trust (PBT) has seen an exceptional level of uptake of business services and support by the Pacific business community this financial year.   The funding allocation for grants for services has now been fully committed. Therefore, at this present time, we are unable to approve any further applications for funding. PBT remains committed to continuing the delivery of grants for services support and is seeking discussion with the Government to secure further funding. We will update you as soon as we know more.   Please note Auckland-based Pacific businesses can still apply for support packages available through PBT’s partnership with the Activate Tāmaki Makaurau initiative. We encourage any Auckland-based business who have not yet applied for assistance through this programme to register now.     If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to call us on 0800 287 7526. 

Join us for our next drop-in clinic ‘Understanding Xero’

Would you like to learn the basics on how to use Xero to manage your business accounts? Join us on Zoom to find out how to setup Xero and navigate it like a pro at our drop-in clinic being held tomorrow. Tuesday 15 February | 4.00pm to 6.00pm  This practical two-hour session will show you step-by-step how to use Xero. Come along and bring your business partner(s) to take advantage of this free learning opportunity.

Register Here

February Workshop Calendar

Just two more workshops left for the month of February. Make sure you don’t miss out on this free learning opportunity. Bring your questions, invite your business partner or a friend and join us online.

Environmental and Sustainability Management | Thursday 17 February 4.00 PM – 7:00PM Gain an understanding of environmental and social risks associated with contractor work including common questions being asked in tenders and how best to answer. 

Understanding Finance – Part 2 | Tuesday, 22 February 2022 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM If you are a Pacific business looking to understand the basic concepts of finance, raising capital and investing then this is the workshop for you. Even though finance can feel a little intimidating at times, our facilitators are here to help and guide you.

Employment Rights & Obligations | Thursday, 24 February 2022 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM This workshop is suitable for business owners who have employees or are looking to employ people and want to get a better understanding of employee rights and your obligations as an employer in New Zealand.

New face mask requirements 

There are new face mask requirements from 4 February 2022. Face masks must cover a person’s nose and mouth and be secured to their head by ear loops or a head loop.  At Red, a worker must wear a medical-grade face mask when they are carrying out customer-facing work to which a vaccine mandate applies. Click here to find out more

Employment and COVID-19 information in many languages

There is information on employment rights and responsibilities, and COVID-19 vaccines, available in a range of languages, including: English, Māori, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Cook Islands Māori, Fijian, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Samoan, Tagalog and Tongan. Click here to find out more.

Have your say on the New Zealand Income Insurance Scheme 

The Government, Business New Zealand and the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions are proposing a new way of better protecting workers and the economy: a New Zealand Income Insurance Scheme. It will support workers with 80 percent of their income for up to seven months if they lose their job through no fault of their own. Under the proposed scheme, people will have the time and financial security to find a good job that matches their skills, needs and aspirations, or retrain for a new career. To find out more click here.