
Startup Grind New Plymouth City, New Zealand, 2019
As COVID-19 spreads in at least 180 countries, and the death toll climbs to 60,000, it is worth reminding one another to follow guidance from governments and leading health organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Startups are concerned about the increasing economic uncertainty as a result of a pandemic. While it is difficult to predict the financial impact globally and what sectors will face the biggest hit and slowest recovery, surviving at this time is crucial (link to another resource).
Here is a summary of support packages that startups can explore and access to help cushion the impact and drive business continuity:
Government Support Packages
Entrepreneurs across the globe are looking at their respective governments to provide financial support and to implement measures to help ease the impact. The New Zealand Government has designed a set of measures and packages to support businesses affected by the COVID-19. Here’s a list of all business-related initiatives relevant to startups;
Private sector support for entrepreneurs
Private enterprises are stepping up to the plate to help businesses. Companies such as Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Zoom have support packages. We have lifted all announces packages and will continue to update this list as new packages are announced;
Global initiatives created amid COVI-19 crisis
We are continually monitoring global initiatives and have found a few that are worthwhile to share with our startup community. Supports are being made available to startups that are fighting this health crisis. The startup ecosystem has come together to help healthcare workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 outbreak. Here are a few we have listed;
Fighting the COVID-19 is still in its early stages around the world and hence, we will see more startup-based programmes emerging. We will continue to update this page as we hear the new programme. Our Innovation Platform, Johnson Labs, is looking into setting up a startup accelerator programme – investors are welcome to reach out.