Covid 19 coronavirus: Te Waka business support - just a Zoom call away

CEO of Te Waka, Michael Bassett-Foss. Photo / File

Face-to-face meetings with business advisors from the Waikato regional development agency, Te Waka, have moved online.

Te Waka's business advisors are now booking Zoom meeting slots with business owners.

The video-conference meetings replace monthly one-on-one meetings at council buildings throughout the Waikato.

A statement from Te Waka says"There is no need to wait until a business advisor comes to town – book an online meeting slot and connect now. Advisors can also talk by phone if that is preferred."

To secure a slot, visit www.tewaka.nz; call Te Waka on 07 857 0538; or email businessgrowth@tewaka.nz

The move to virtual one-on-one meetings comes as Te Waka responds to the urgent and evolving needs of businesses affected by Covid-19 and the Alert Level 4 lockdown period.

It means business owners can have someone to offer support and advice - and to simply talk to - during this uncertain time.

The advisors can refer businesses owners to helpful resources including where to go for Government assistance.

Cash flow management and finance, HR, health and wellness and business continuity planning, have quickly been identified by Te Waka as the areas of greatest need right now for Waikato businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Planning is also underway to establish free webinars, hosted by Te Waka, that business owners can join online, tailored to these critical areas of need.

Te Waka is continuing to focus on providing support to Maori enterprise and is working with Tainui Waka Iwi to ensure that support for Maori enterprise in Waikato is targeted and relevant.

Te Waka also continues to partner with Business Mentors NZ to provide mentor support in the region.

• Covid19.govt.nz: The Government's official Covid-19 advisory website

Te Waka says it is fully committed to supporting businesses through Covid-19 and the recovery phase, with enhanced capacity through the regional business partners programme delivered by Te Waka.