12 November 2020
Masterton District Council is partnering with Business Wairarapa to ensure local businesses are supported through the recovery from COVID-19.
The council has signed a funding agreement with Business Wairarapa that sees it provide $30,000 for the current financial year.
Key deliverables expected as part of the agreement include:
- surveying businesses to understand challenges, operating contexts and to gain other insights
- providing input into the Wairarapa COVID-19 recovery plan
- organising and running the Wairarapa Business Awards 2021
- organising and running a Wairarapa Business Summit in Masterton.
Masterton District Council Chief Executive Kath Ross said the partnership demonstrates council’s commitment to supporting the business sector.
“The last year has been incredibly challenging for our local businesses and it’s crucial that the council does what it can to support the organisation,” Kath said.
“Business Wairarapa plays an important role in gathering and sharing information, creating connections and celebrating positive achievements within the business sector.
“I’m pleased that we are able to partner with the organisation around some specific initiatives planned for the next year.”
The funding opportunity was discussed and allocated as part of Masterton District Council’s response to COVID-19 during development of the 2020-21 Annual Plan.
Business Wairarapa Chair Becks Sayer said the organisation was grateful for the funding.
“This financial assistance means that we are in a position to achieve more to support our members and the Wairarapa business community as a whole,” Becks said.
“We look forward to delivering on our dream of providing cost-effective training on ‘soft skills’ around employment, leadership, and creating a strong culture to business owners across the region by introducing our first Business Summit early in 2021.”