NZ business support

Once you've registered with us, one of our growth advisors will be in touch to set up a discovery session. The purpose of this is to get to know you and your business – to both identify your needs and uncover new opportunities.

From there, your growth advisor will come back with an action plan. This can include any mix of things – and will depend on what's most relevant to you. It can range from simple things, such as introducing you to a useful new contact, through to helping you into some key management training, or even facilitating your new R&D project.

Your growth advisor will be your main contact person, and your new business champion! They will check in regularly to see how you're going. And they're always just a phone call away if you need them.

Firstly, we'll help you identify the needs and opportunities within your business. From there, we'll provide you with targeted advice, information, referrals and connections. For instance, we could connect you with a business mentor, help you boost your management skills, or access R&D funding or expertise through Callaghan Innovation.(external link)

You may also be eligible for funding to access training and advice from a training specialist.

The Management Capability Fund subsidises up to 50% of the cost of management training, capped at up to $5,000.

Your growth advisor will be your main point of contact. From there, they'll help you access support from a range of different people and organisations.

Many of these organisations provide help and resources free of charge. Your business could also be eligible for funding (see above) that you can invest in training and upskilling. For this, you'll be working with business advisory companies with expertise in specific areas.

The great thing about working with a growth advisor is they can show you all the options, help you decide what's right for you, and then make the introductions.

Find your local Regional Business Partner

We have more than 60 growth advisors located around the country. They come from a range of different professional backgrounds, but they've got one thing in common – they love working with New Zealand business owners and seeing them succeed.

And because they're local, like you, they're also passionate about growing the prosperity of your region.

Find you local growth advisor

Any New Zealand business is welcome to join the network. The only criteria is that you will need a Zealand Business Number (NZBN). Any business can get a NZBN, including sole traders, and it's free. You can get yours here(external link).

You'll also need someone in your business who'll be the main point of contact in your dealings with the network. You can choose who this will be – it might be your business owner, a manager, or office administrator. This same person should complete the registration.

Register your business with RBP(external link)