Tools and advice from across government to save you time and help make your business a success.

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Special edition - 4 March 2021

COVID-19: Financial support

See a summary of the range of financial support available to help small businesses, sole traders and contractors get through COVID-19 restrictions, including:

an overview of what support is available at different alert levels
eligibility criteria
where to apply for the different kinds of support.

Find out more

Wage subsidy scheme update

Applications for the Wage Subsidy Scheme for employers and the self-employed opened at 1pm on Thursday 4 March. It’s available for businesses nationwide.

Apply at Work and Income

Pay workers waiting for test results

The Short-Term Absence Payment is available for businesses to pay employees who can’t work from home and miss work while waiting for a COVID-19 test result.

How to apply

New round of Resurgence Support Payments

Applications open on 8 March 2021 for a new round of Resurgence Support Payments for eligible businesses affected by the current alert level change.

Applications for businesses that were impacted by the change in alert levels from 14-21 February, are open and will close on 22 March 2021.

The payments are not a loan and don’t need to be paid back.

Payment details

Leave Support Scheme

The COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme provides a payment to businesses to pay their workers who meet certain health criteria, eg they have COVID-19. This is also available if you’re self-employed.

Check eligibility

Cash flow loans

Borrow up to $10,000 – or more if you have employees – and pay no interest if you pay back the loan within two years.

See eligibility criteria

Got questions or need support? Call the free COVID-19 Business Helpline

All New Zealand businesses, including sole traders, can get support and advice on:

government financial support, eg low-interest loans, tax relief
what different alert levels mean for your business
business continuity
finding free or subsidised expert help, eg a business mentor or advisor.

Employers can also get specific advice on people challenges, including staffing changes, employee wellness, and meeting your health and safety obligations.

North Island 0800 500 362 | South Island 0800 505 096