Identifying local business needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
20 Mar 2020
With the economic and social impact of COVID-19 continuing to evolve each day, Southland’s Regional Development Agency, Great South, is reinforcing its commitment and support for local businesses.
This involves carrying out a survey to assess the support that local businesses require in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The survey will help to determine how Great South can best support the local business sector and provide valuable insight to the Government on the regional impact of COVID-19.
Great South Business Services GM Ben Lewis said feedback from local businesses was vital for ensuring that the local sector could receive the support, resources, and tools needed to combat the challenges associated with COVID-19.
“We are committed to supporting local businesses and doing what we can do to protect their economic and social wellbeing. This survey will give us a starting point as to where the support required is critical and also help us to plan services for the long-term,”
The support identified in the survey will work alongside the $12.1 billion economic package announced by the Government on Tuesday, which includes a wage subsidy scheme, leave and self-isolation support, business cash flow and tax measures.
Mr Lewis said that it was vitally important for businesses to take the time to complete the survey, which would only take five minutes so that the immediate relief needed in Southland could be determined alongside this national package.
The survey will run for one week with the information enabling Great South to work alongside, Government representatives and in partnership with business experts to provide the resources and support Southland businesses need at this time.
“This is an unprecedented situation for our business sector and we are pleased to be able to do what we can by providing businesses with the assistance, advice and access to resources which will help to support them at this time,”
