Are you a small retail business owner looking to enhance the security of your shop?
The government has recently announced a subsidy of $4,000 per outlet for eligible businesses to install fog cannons. This is a great opportunity for small retail business owners to take advantage of this initiative and make sure their business is protected.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Have no more than two outlets
- Have five or fewer paid employees
- Have a street frontage (outlets in indoor malls where security is already provided will not be eligible)
How do fog cannons work?
Fog cannons are an innovative solution that can quickly fill a shop with dense fog in seconds, making it difficult for criminals to see and preventing further damage or theft. Not only does this improve the security of your business, but it can also be a valuable selling point if you’re thinking of selling your business in the future. It shows that you have taken the necessary steps to protect your business and it can also help to reduce the risk of loss or damage to your inventory and equipment.
Can I use the subsidy for other security measures?
The subsidy is only for fog cannons and can’t be used for other crime prevention measures. You’ll also have the freedom to negotiate the final price and organise installation with the fog cannon provider. If you don’t own your business premises, it’s important to talk to your landlord before applying for the subsidy as you might need their permission to install the fog cannon.
How to apply:
Applications for the subsidy will open in February 2023 but, you can express your interest by completing the form on the business.govt.nz site. The form will ask for your name and email, business name and address, the number of paid employees at your business, and your New Zealand Business Number (NZBN). You can apply for more than one outlet. You’ll just need to fill in separate application forms for each.
The government’s fog cannon subsidy initiative is a great opportunity for small retail business owners to enhance the security of their shop and protect their business from potential theft and damage. Not only does it improve the security of your business, but it can also be a valuable selling point if you’re thinking of selling your business in the future. The eligibility criteria is straightforward, and the subsidy is $4,000 per outlet. If you’re a small retail business owner, it’s well worth a look.
