We know that building an underground train station and improving infrastructure and streetscapes in the middle of a city comes with disruption, and being a good neighbour is important to us.

That’s why the Auckland Council whānau, including Auckland Transport and Watercare, have aligned with the existing Link Alliance Small Business Support Programme to expand support for businesses during construction across the wider midtown area. This programme was developed with the support of local business association, Heart of the City.

This programme offers tailored support and services to help small businesses grow resilience and adapt to the changing environment, and prepare to take advantage of the opportunities that will come with the City Rail Link and the regeneration of midtown. 

• Free business connector service

Key to the programme is an independent business connector who works with businesses to help identify their specific needs and guide them towards tailored support options.

Introducing William Keung, independent business connector

Building on his recent work for CRL in midtown and Karangahape, William Keung and his team from WERKITS Ltd are adept at identifying solutions to the challenges of operating a business in a construction zone. Their remit is wide, and the team can provide marketing advice, mentoring and access to an extensive network of professional services for advice outside their own expertise.

This is a free, independent, tailored service. Conversations with William are confidential and will not be shared with Auckland Council unless you want them to be.

• Microgrants

Grants are available via the business connector service to help businesses grow their resilience and adapt to the changing environment during disruption or prepare to take advantage of the new public spaces following construction, such as: digital strategy, increasing attractiveness of shopfronts, business innovation and support for staff wellbeing.

• Support for expanded outdoor dining

Auckland Council will also work with businesses to enable expanded outdoor dining in new streetscapes (where permitted by the Street Trading Bylaw). Customised support may include help with understanding and completing licensing requirements, licence fees and equipment.

• Signage 

We will put up temporary signage to help people find your business while working nearby. 

• Activating midtown

We host events and activities to attract more people to the midtown area and remind them of all the great things that midtown has to offer. You can read more about these events here.

If you would like to participate in future events, contact us at midtown@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. We welcome expressions of interest from all ground/first floor businesses in the midtown area. We can help with ideas for activities, offers or promotions if needed.

William Keung, independent business connector

Midtown small business support grants - eligible areas

Who can apply?

Eligible businesses should be:

• A retail, service or hospitality business within midtown (shaded in blue in the map*)
• Located on the ground or first floor, and impacted negatively by construction disruption
• Have fewer than 20 full-time equivalent employees or contractors

If you'd like to apply for a microgrant, our independent business connectors will walk you through the application process. They'll meet with you to discuss your needs and help you complete the simple application form. They'll then add their comments to help us consider your application, and submit it direct to the funder on your behalf.

Conditions apply - contact us for more information.

*This programme is delivered in coordination with the Link Alliance Small Business Support Programme associated with the City Rail Link project. Link Alliance will consider applications from businesses in the area shaded in purple, and Auckland Council will consider the remaining areas shaded in blue. Eligible businesses may receive grants from only one organisation, not both.

Contact us

For more information or to make a time to meet with William, contact us at midtown@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz .