08 Apr2020

VANUATU GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC STIMULUS Second Rollout – COVID-19

Supporting workers, business and communities

The Government is pleased to provide more details on the three schemes under the Second Policy Stimulus. The package aims to give some breathing space to businesses in need, by supporting cash flow while they plan for and adapt to the ‘new normal’. The Government sees this as an opportunity for businesses to adapt to these challenges and find opportunities in this new economic environment. These 3 schemes are:

  • support monthly cash flow until the end of 2021 for all businesses with an annual turnover of less than VT 4 million;

Small Business Grant (SBG)

Eligibility Criteria (SBG)

Businesses that have a valid license (as defined below) for one or more of the following periods: - 2020 or 2021 (registered prior to 30 April 2021)Businesses that hold one of the following licenses (and provide a true copy of this license in their application) issued by a licensing authority as per the Business License Act No. 19 of 1998:

  1. Valid Business License Certificate with a certified stamp and signature from authorized authority.
  2. Liquor License Certificate with a certified stamp and signature from relevant authority.
  3.  Fishing License Certificate with a certified stamp and signature from relevant authority. No other licenses, permits or receipts will be accepted in lieu of the above licenses. For the avoidance of doubt, RSE/SWP/PLS agent permits, casino licenses, gaming licenses, lottery licenses and environmental licenses will not be accepted as proof of eligibility.

Businesses that declared an actual turnover for the previous year of less than VT 4 million in their business license application. Or Businesses that declared less than VT4 million turnover in their 2020 VAT returns submitted to DCIR. Or Businesses with a license issued by a provincial authority (i.e. from a provincial government) that does not include a record of declared actual turnover from the previous year.

Businesses that submit an application form, in a format provided by MFEM, ensuring all fields required are provided, including: • Contact details for the business owner • Bank account details for the business (or a written letter from the owner to confirm alternative payment arrangements) and a letter from their bank confirming these details and that the bank account is active • A declaration that all information provided is accurate Businesses that do not benefit from the Wage Subsidy scheme (businesses that are eligible for both schemes may choose which scheme to apply for)

 Wage Subsidy Scheme (WSS)

  • to support businesses that are VAT-registered and distressed (‘faenem se hemi hard blong winem mani’) with their staffing costs until the end of 2021

Eligibility Criteria (WSS)

Businesses that have a valid license for 2021 (and provide a true copy of this license) issued by a licensing authority as per the Business License Act No. 19 of 1998.Businesses that are registered with VNPF and have been contributing to their employee’s VNPF Businesses that were registered for VAT and submitted returns in 2019 and 2020 Businesses that are identified as ‘distressed’ based on a stress test indicating a reduction in turnover equal to or greater than 30% when comparing:

a) December 2020 and December 2019, or

b) the fourth quarter of 2020 and the fourth quarter of 2019

Businesses that submit an application form, in a format provided by MFEM, ensuring all fields required are provided, including:

  • Contact details for the business owner 
  • Bank account details for the business (or a written letter from the owner to confirm alternative payment arrangements) and a letter from their bank confirming these details and that the bank account is active 
  • A declaration that all information provided is accurate Businesses that do not benefit from the SBG scheme (businesses that are eligible for both schemes may choose which scheme to apply for)

 Special COVID-19 Banking Facility (SCBF) - VT 900 million

  •  to stabilise businesses’ balance sheets while they remain in business, which has the potential to run for as long as five years.
  • More information to be provided soon!!