The Ministry of Labour,Commerce and Industries (MLCI) hereby advises businesses affected by the events of 16/11, of the existence of the Business Hardship Fund (BHF). The BHF is the second component of the Business Recovery Facility (BRF) which is funded by contributions from AusAid and NZAid for the purpose of assisting the recovery operations of businesses indirectly affected by 16/11.

The businesses that may qualify for the BHF assistance includes:

i.Businesses that were not physically damaged or directly affected but located inside the exclusion zone.

ii.Businesses located outside the exclusive zone but whose suppliers or buyers were directly affected.

iii.Directly affected businesses that do not access the main BRF

The BHF will not provide cash grants, but will provide assistance by meeting the legitimate expenses of affected businesses up to a maximum of $TOP3,000.

The BHF is administered by the MLCI through the BHF Committee. Businesses who wish to apply for the BHF may complete the relevant application form and submit to the MLCI for consideration by the BHF Committee. The BHF application form is available for pick up from the MLCI during the normal business hours of 8.30 am ...– 4.30 pm. MLCI, 11/05/07.