On-demand delivery platform, DoorDash is reopening its Disaster Relief Fund to support small hospitality businesses across New Zealand that have been adversely impacted by natural disasters.
The application window for the grants will be accepted on an ongoing basis until May 2025.
The Disaster Relief Fund, first introduced in 2021, is designed to extend financial support to restaurants, cafes, and eateries that have faced significant challenges due to natural disasters.
Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to $16,000 NZD* to cover vital expenses, including payroll, inventory, marketing, utilities, rent, and other operating costs.
“DoorDash is committed to supporting local communities, and we understand the devastating impact natural disasters can have on small businesses,” says Bradley Thomas, DoorDash General Manager for New Zealand.
“By reopening our Disaster Relief Fund, we aim to extend a helping hand to hospitality outlets across the country that have been affected by unforeseen events, assisting their rebuild so they can continue to serve their communities.”
The Fund is run in partnership with Hello Alice and the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN). This year, DoorDash will provide 100 grants, each worth $16,000 NZD*, to eligible businesses in New Zealand, Australia, United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
To qualify, restaurants must have between one and three brick-and-mortar locations, fewer than 50 employees per location, have been open for at least six months, and have been impacted by a natural disaster declared by Civil Defence or their local government. Applications must be submitted within 12 months of the declared disaster.
“The unfortunate reality is that New Zealanders are becoming increasingly familiar with the devastating consequences of natural disasters,” says Thomas. “We’re helping small hospitality outlets bounce back and supporting local communities to recover and thrive.”
To learn more about the eligibility criteria and apply for the Disaster Relief Fund, businesses can visit https://www.genglobal.org/grants/restaurant-relief.
How DoorDash works
DoorDash (NASDAQ: DASH) is a technology company that connects consumers with their local businesses in more than 30 countries across the globe.
Founded in 2013, it builds products and services to help businesses innovate, grow, and reach more customers. For business customers (merchants): DoorDash connects merchants and restaurants with their customers via an easy-to-use service and marketplace app .
In addition, business partners receive data insights to help them to successfully develop their business digitally and at the same time, retain full control over their offers such as the product presentation and the corresponding photos.
**Grants are $10,000 USD, with current conversion rates to approximately $16,000 NZ. Conversion rates subject to change.
