This week, the Government has allocated $3 million to be awarded through a contestable fund to enable business services, unions and community providers to support workers and workplaces in response to COVID-19. The fund will be evenly distributed across sectors and there is no funding limit for individual proposals. The level of funding will be considered on a case by case basis by the assessment panel.

The fund will help to:

• Provide support for workers and workplaces in their response to and recovery from COVID-19

• Enhance the capability of business organisations, unions, and community providers to support workers and workplaces, to manage and minimise employment impacts and improve their position for recovery following COVID-19

• Recognise and provide support to Māori and Pasifika workers, businesses and community services, as well as vulnerable groups, such as migrant workers and their representatives.

Eligibility

Eligibility to apply for funding is relatively broad so long as applications fall within the purpose of the fund. This ensures that each application will be able to be assessed on its merits against the assessment criteria (set out below) without excluding potential groups at the outset. Applicants will be able to make one application only, and the applications must:

• Be submitted by a New Zealand legal entity

• Give sufficient detail for MBIE to assess the proposal

• Be within the purpose and scope of the fund.

• All contracted work programmes to be completed before July 1, 2021

MBIE will perform an initial triage of proposals received and will aim to provide applicants with quick feedback about their proposal. Proposals will then be reviewed and decided on by a small assessment panel, agreed by the Minister, with representatives from government, unions, business and community groups.

What is in scope of the funding?

Proposals should be new initiatives or build on existing initiatives that fit within the scope of the contestable fund. The types of initiatives that would fit within the scope of the fund include:

• Information and education programmes

• Development programmes

• CV workshops

• Job interview assistance

• Information evening/support group

• Tailored employment support to vulnerable groups, including Māori, Pasifika and migrant workers

• Services to advocate for, and provide support to, all types of “worker” (including contractors and people who are considering becoming contractors).

In general, the fund will not support proposals that include:

• Business as usual services

• Downturn in subscriptions

• Loss of wages

• Capital costs

• Travel expenses

• Activities that are already funded from other Government initiatives.

How do I submit an expression of interest?

Email your expression of interest to WRSCovidFund@mbie.govt.nz for MBIE to do an initial triage. The email should contain the following information:

• The name and type of organisation you are requesting funding for

• A brief (150 word) summary of the work you are requesting funding for and how it differs from business as usual service delivery

• How the work will support workers or workplaces

• The expected outcomes of the work, including how many people would benefit

• Why the funding is necessary to deliver the work.

-TIN Bureau