Kāpiti Business News

Welcome back to Alert Level 1!

As we head towards our 7th month of living with Covid-19, it is great to see how well the Kāpiti district has embraced and continues to Love Local. The recovery is a long road not only for those who have had the virus but also for economies and communities. Planning ahead, working together and supporting local are key.

As a team we are working hard to ensure that you as a business owner have the information needed to access business support, can tap into resources and learning opportunities on offer and know what is expected of you at each Alert Level. Read on to learn about how you may be able to access $5000 in capability funding, your responsibilities at Alert Level 1 and how tourism businesses are being supported by Government.

Learn how to access up to $5000 in business capability funding

If your business has been affected by Covid-19, you may qualify for funding for expert advice and services through WellingtonNZ. 

In this short seminar, Tyler Dunkel, the WellingtonNZ Business Recovery Team Lead will talk business owners through how to apply for up to $5000 in advisory funding (excl. GST) through the Regional Business Partner Network (RBPN).

2.30 - 4.00pm or 5.30 - 7pm 
Tuesday 6th October 2020
Kāpiti Sports Pavilion, Mazengarb Park

The Covid-19 Business Advisory Fund gives owners of small and medium businesses funding to engage industry experts for assistance with:

• Marketing and/or digital enablement strategy implementation
• HR and legal advice to help with decisions regarding employees
• Financial advice and planning specific to Covid-19
• New business model investigation, planning and implementation
• One-on-one support and assistance with business continuity planning
• Business coaching and mentoring
• Advice on health and wellness of business owners and staff.

Register your attendance now

 What Kāpiti businesses are saying:

Targeted funding support for tourism providers and Māori businesses

WellingtonNZ has been allocated funding from the central government’s stimulus package for business, to connect business owners to expert advice and services in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. There is up to $5,000 of funding available through WellingtonNZ and the Regional Business Partners Network to connect business owners to expert advice to help their business grow and adapt despite Covid-19 challenges.

The Tourism Transition Fund allows tourism businesses to apply for funding for business advice from a range of registered service providers, depending on business needs.

Additionally, the Government has allocated funding specifically to support Māori businesses and Māori in business.  This business advisory fund is available to: 

• Māori businesses
• Māori in business
• Māori trusts or incorporations under the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, or similar organisations managing Māori assets under multiple ownership 

To apply for any business capability funding business owners should attend the seminar above or find out more at WellingtonNZ.

Waste reduction grants available to Kāpiti businesses

Are you a business owner who wants to reduce the waste from your operations going to landfill? Applications for Waste Reduction Grants, which support local waste minimisation projects and initiatives are now open. This year Council has introduced a new funding category specifically for businesses wanting to make a difference. 

The fund covers 50% of the total project cost and is open to existing Kāpiti businesses, organisations and social enterprises. Visit the KCDC website for more details, including information on how to apply. Applications close 5pm, 20 October 2020  

Image credit: [email protected]

Business responsibilities at Covid Alert Level 1

Covid-19 is still lurking both in New Zealand and globally so it is important we all do our piece to keep ourselves and our customers safe.

Under the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order 2020 all businesses must display QR code posters at all alert levels. It is also recommended that you have one or two contact tracing registers for those who don’t have smartphones.

If you haven't already, it is worth having a look through all of the resources available to businesses including the QR code generator, alternative Contact Tracing systems and distancing posters (among other tools):  
https://covid19.govt.nz/business-work-and-money/business-toolkit/

Applications open for independent Board roles

Kāpiti Coast District Council and the Economic Development Kotahitanga Board are inviting applications for three independent member roles.

The independent Economic Development Kotahitanga Board is being established to oversee the implementation and delivery of the Kāpiti Coast Economic Development Strategy and Implementation Plan 2020-23.

Building strong foundations with our communities and their wellbeing over the next three years as well as working towards our Economic Development Strategy and Implementation Plan 2020-2023 vision are a core focus for the Board:

Through partnership, support the growth of a vibrant, diverse Kāpiti Coast economy that provides increased opportunity, resilience and well-being for all.

We are looking for individuals with experience in governance who can demonstrate core skills and attributes that align to those outlined in the position description.

For information on how to apply visit:
https://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/our-district/economic-development/strategy-for-supporting-economic-development/

Applications close 5pm, 9 October 2020

Visa Wellington on a Plate - October 2020

Take a seat at the table this October and enjoy the most amazing culinary experiences that Kāpiti has to offer. This year sees some  exceptionally delicious burgers and cocktails as well as uniquely creative events including a six-course beer matched Japanese barbeque dinner, a sustainable journey from farm to table, an indulgence tour and an online Sicilian cooking class.

Read all about what is on offer and get your tickets here.

Electra Business & Innovation Awards 2020

Tickets are selling fast for the black tie business event of the year so make sure you secure yours now. Indulge in a scrumptious three-course dinner catered by Creative Catering, late night entertainment by none other than Kāpiti's own Queen Fox and enjoy the fabulous company of MC of the night Michèle A’Court!

6.30m - 11.30pm 
Friday 9th October 2020
Horowhenua Events Centre, Levin

Also don't forget that this year there is a bus service running between Kāpiti and the Horowhenua Events Centre – supporting both safe and sustainable transport to the Awards in 2020. 

Both dinner and bus tickets can be purchased online at www.bkh.org.nz/events

Reminder: Kāpiti Chamber of Commerce BA5 

The Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce invites Members and Non-Members to their Business After Five networking programme.

5.30pm - 7pm 
Wednesday 30th September 2020
Harbour City Funeral Home, 300 Kāpiti Road, Paraparaumu Beach

Non-members - $20 per person, members are free. Members - use a guest card and bring a colleague or friend for free!  Register here

Further Government support and information

Government financial support remains available for businesses. This includes:

• Wage Subsidy and COVID-19 Leave schemes
• Business Finance Guarantee scheme
• Business Cash Flow and Tax Measures
• Small Business Cashflow Loan scheme
• Insolvency Relief for Businesses
  
  Further information for businesses and employees is available on the government's Covid-19 website.

Information about Council services at each Alert Level can be found here.