COVID-19: Business Relief Options Available For You

COVID-19 Business Relief Options have recently been announced by the government for any New Zealand business that is currently facing a financial hardship.  Read on to find out what relief option your business might qualify for.

COVID-19 Business Relief for Business facing Insolvency

The Government is introducing new legislation to make changes to the Companies Act to help businesses facing insolvency due to COVID-19 to remain viable, with the aim of keeping New Zealanders in jobs.

COVID-19 Finance Guarantee Scheme

The Government has launched a Business Finance Guarantee Scheme for small and medium-sized businesses, to protect jobs and support the economy. The Crown, in partnership with participating approved banks, will support targeted new loans (including increases to existing limits) to eligible businesses, as a response to difficulties caused by COVID-19.

Under the scheme, businesses with annual revenue between $250,000 and $80m can apply to their banks for loans up to $500,000, for up to three years. The scheme will offer a total of $6.25b in loans to New Zealand businesses.

COVID-19 Wage subsidy

The modified wage subsidy scheme will support employers and their staff to maintain an employment connection and ensure an income for affected employees, even if the employee is unable to actually work any hours.