Local businesses affected by the negative impacts of the pandemic can now apply for various components under a COVID-19 Business Support Fund.

The fund is available through the Government's Ministry of Trade & Economic Development.

The component assistance offered:

• Formal/Registered Business Support Fund for businesses who experienced revenue loss during May-December 2020 in comparison to 2019 of the same period.
• Informal Business Support Fund for individuals who are currently conducting informal business activities.
• Temporary Wage Subsidy Support Fund for formal/registered businesses who are in need of financial assistance with their current ongoing employment.
• Business Partnership Support Program for a supplementary assistance program for businesses requiring guidance, advice, mentoring, trainings and capacity building to help businesses.
• Unemployment Registration Program is available for individuals that needs assistance in finding a job during this pandemic.

Application forms can be picked up and submitted to the Ministry offices. People in the Niuas can get theirs from the Tonga Development Bank Office there.

The deadline for applications is April 9 and the assistance will then be announced before the end of April.

In the meantime, the Business Partnership Support & Unemployment Registration must be completed before June 30.