IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO ALL BUSINESS LICENSE HOLDERS IN RELATION TO THE LATEST ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MFEM ON THE NEW ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE
On Friday 29 April MFEM announced the launching of the new ESP3 – a Small Business Grant (SBG) and Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS), aimed at helping inject much needed cash into the local economy in 2022.
What is it?
To simplify, this is an extension of the existing ESP2, both the SGB and WSS schemes will be extended for another 6 months (March until August 2022). Please note, if you were successful in applying for SBG in 2021, you will automatically be paid the SBG for 2022. You do not need to re-apply.
For the WSS, the same principal applies. If you were successful in applying for the WSS in 2021, you will automatically be paid the WSS for 2022. You will need to continue to submit your VNPF payment receipts as per the current process.
For more information on this please download the attached FAQ:
English version – Bislama version – French version
What’s new?
The SBG is now also open to Municipality Open Air Vendor Permit Holders, as well as Business License Holders, Liquor License Holders and Fishing License Holders, who have an annual turnover of less than VT 4 million.
The WSS remains for businesses with valid business licenses who can show that they have suffered a drop of income of 30% or more since COVID-19 closed our borders when comparing VAT returns from December 2020 and 2021, or 4th quarter 2020 and 2021.
How do I apply?
You can download all application forms from the Finance website – www.doft.gov.vu
Or you can visit VCCI to assist you in person. VCCI’s team will be available 9-12 and 1-4 daily from Thursday 5 May onwards in Port Vila.
We will be visiting each province to assist businesses outside of Port Vila over the coming weeks. Please follow our Facebook or visit our website for dates/information.
For more information on the application process and terms and conditions of both the SBG and WSS please download the attached FAQ:
English version – Bislama version – French version
How can I check if I am eligible?
VCCI has been provided with a list of eligible businesses from DoFT so we can check for you. Contact VCCI by emailing stimulus@vcci.vu, or come in person.
For assistance via phone
Please call 27543.
