Global business software application provider, Zoho Corporation, is introducing its Vertical Relief Plan (VRP) comprised of programs and tools to assist businesses across three verticals – education, non-profit and government, and retail – which have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Recent ABS data has revealed 66% of Australian business reported a reduction in turnover or cash flow as a result of the pandemic and almost 70% of retail businesses have been adversely affected by shutdowns.
For the retail sector, Zoho has launched Zoho Commerce which enables retailers to build an online presence using the Starter Plan for free for up to 60 days. For existing Zoho Commerce customers, the company is raising the transaction fee threshold to $3,000 in sales for the Starter Plan and to $8,000 for the Pro Plan for the next three months.
In addition, businesses providing essential services can set up their online presence by taking advantage of free training and rapid onboarding of Zoho Inventory – Zoho’s order management software, set up specially for them.
Zoho CEO and co-founder, Sridhar Vembu said, “We are grateful to all the workers who are helping us weather this storm. Beyond those on the front lines, there are workers in industries who are struggling, who are persevering, who are inventing new paths forward. The Vertical Relief Plan is a way to support those people, whether they be teachers, government workers, or retailers, who are entirely committed to helping others and returning the world to solid ground.”
In addition to the VRP programs, Zoho is encouraging small businesses, as well as finance, sales, marketing, and HR professionals within larger organisations to utilise discounts, training, and support programs that the company is offering to help them adapt to their changing roles during this time.