National Office - NZTE Support for SMEs

As you’ll be aware, there have been some changes to funding programmes run by NZTE. Export NZ asked NZTE what it’s doing for small businesses.

In response NZTE confirmed that there is a suite of programmes and services available for small businesses. These include:

Services aimed at those starting and growing a business

Biz

Funded by NZTE to help people identify and access information, contacts, training and advice they need to start or develop a business. Biz is offered through a nationwide network of walk-in information centres, an 0800 42 49 46 help line phone service and the New Zealand government business website business.govt.nz (which is run by the Ministry of Economic Development)

Business Mentors

Funding provided by NZTE to Business Mentors New Zealand to help it provide experienced mentors with proven business skills to SMEs.

E-business Guide

Online guide, which includes access to an adviser if required, to help SMEs successfully take their business online.

Enterprise Training Programme

Fully funded by NZTE and delivered by specialist training providers throughout New Zealand. The programme is aimed at motivated owners and managers of SMEs with the potential to grow. It includes training for businesses in areas such as business planning, finance, becoming investment ready, marketing, exporting, and lean manufacturing.

Escalator Service

Provides specialist skills and assistance to help businesses of any size to raise equity funding or complete a strategic relationship that may help them expand, diversify or commercialise a product or service. Funded by NZTE and delivered by the Economic Development Association of New Zealand (EDANZ) and Deloitte.

Incubator Support Programme

Funding provided by NZTE to support selected business incubator facilities around New Zealand. Business incubators help businesses become established and sustainable during their start-up phase.

Industry Capability Network

Helps businesses get involved in major projects being undertaken in New Zealand and Australia by introducing them to project buyers and owners.

Services aimed at those exporting and internationalising

Beachheads Programme

Designed to give businesses faster access to better international networks. It uses a unique partnership between NZTE and successful executives who are willing to share their experience, skills and business networks to help New Zealand businesses accelerate their market entry and growth in key export markets.

Better by Design

A range of programmes to help New Zealand businesses create superbly designed products and services that help them stand out in international markets. Funded by NZTE and overseen by an independent group of design-led business experts.

Lean Business

The Lean Business programme may be able to help your company to improve performance and eliminate inefficient processes.

Path to Market

Path to Market bundles services from NZTE with expertise from the private sector to help companies enter Australia.

Escalator Service

www.nzte.govt.nz

Online resources for New Zealand businesses, largely aimed at businesses involved with exporting at some level. It provides access to NZTE services, online guides to international markets and industries, insights into international opportunities and challenges, and editorial features about NZTE services and successful New Zealand businesses.

NZTE offshore network

NZTE has staff working in 37 countries around the world. They provide New Zealand companies with access to people, knowledge and opportunities in those markets, and information about New Zealand to potential investors.

Export NZ will continue to work with NZTE regarding the needs of small business. In the meantime, you can go to www.nzte.govt.nz to find out more about its programmes and services.