In Case You Missed It- Level 3 Special Update

Welcome to this special update as we head into two weeks of life in Level 3. We'll take a look at the new requirement to display Covid Tracer QR codes at your business, the new Wage Subsidy Scheme and a couple of free services available to help get you through the current lockdown.

Also remember to join our Whatsapp group - please send a message to 0220441378 and we'll get you added.

Covid Tracer QR code posters

All businesses are now required to display the official Covid Tracer QR code poster in a prominent place or near your main entrance. Please encourage visitors to sign in using their smartphones. It is relatively easy to create your own unique code for your business - just head to the COVID-19 website to begin the process. You will need:

a valid New Zealand driver licence
address details for each of your locations
your email address and contact phone number
your NZ Business Number

Wage Subsidy Scheme Extension & Resurgence Wage Subsidy

The Wage Subsidy Extension Scheme is still available and accepting applications. The scheme is aimed at covering a portion of your employee's wages for an eight week period if your business is still affected by the COVID-19. Your business must have experienced a 40% decline in revenue over a 30 day period compared to the same time last year. Find out more if you are eligible and how to apply at:

Wage Subsidy Scheme Extension (Work & Income)

Yesterday the government announced a further subsidy if you are affected by the current lockdown. Known as the Resurgence Wage Subsidy, this scheme will cover a portion of your employee's wages for a two week period. It is available for any employer who experiences a 40% decline in revenue over 14 days between 12 August and 10 September. Applications for the subsidy open 21 August 2020.

Resurgence Wage Subsidy (Work & Income)

Also announced today was an extension in principle to the mortgage deferral scheme, now pushed out to 31 March 2021. For details on other schemes still available please visit the official COVID-19 site.

Financial Support For Business (www.covid.govt.nz)

Additional Business Resources

The Regional Business Partner network is an initiative from New Zealand Trade & Enterprise. They have what is known as the COVID-19 Business Advisory Funding package available, providing support in areas such as cashflow and financial management, business continuity, digital capability, health & well being and HR.

Regional Business Partner Program (NZTE)

Take a look at the article Free websites prove a lifeline for NZ businesses in the NZ Herald, a case study with involving a small business getting online during the previous lockdown. Zeald, the internet marketing company involved, still has a number of free packages they're giving to help small businesses get online. Sarah Colcord and her website Chooice also get a mention in this article. Chooice aims of promoting Kiwi businesses online, and is the evolution of her Facebook group NZ Made Products.

Free Ecommerce Websites (Zeald)