Financial assistance is available for West Coast businesses adapting to deliver goods during alert level 3 this week.
The money is to support restaurants delivering takeaways or retailers sending products by courier - businesses cab receive $10 for each delivery (file image). Photo: 123rf.com
Development West Coast is offering eligible businesses a rebate of up to $500 to support businesses who are having to adapt to contactless pickup and deliveries.
Chief executive Heath Milne said the money was to support restaurants delivering takeaways or retailers sending products by courier - businesses could receive $10 for each delivery.
"We know our retailers, cafés and restaurants have been doing it tough under the current lockdown, and we want to offer some assistance," Milne said.
"With the upcoming shift to level 3 on Wednesday, many of these businesses will be able to start operating again, but in a slightly different manner either through contactless pickups or deliveries."
Infometrics estimates 81.9 percent of the West Coast's workforce will be operational under alert level 3.
Data showed 13 percent of the West Coast workforce (2098 people) were employed in cafés, restaurants, takeaway food services and retail trade.
Milne said the rebate scheme aimed to help get West Coasters back to work.
"While we are far from business as usual, the rebate scheme will enable some businesses to re-establish operations and reconnect with their customers."
It was also bringing back online business directory - Now Open - that listed 260 businesses operating during level 3 last lockdown.
The directory is a collaboration between EPIC Kawatiri Westport, DWC and Tai Poutini Polytechnic championing West Coast businesses operating during alert level 3.