Regional Business Partners
NZTE and the Ministry of Science and Innovation (MSI) have put in place a network of 14 Regional Business Partners around New Zealand. The partners work to support business growth and innovation in their regions and are a natural first point of contact for businesses seeking government assistance.
NZTE and MSI fund the new Regional Business Partners to employ staff with business development skills and research and development (R&D) expertise.
The partners work with local businesses and provide a range of advice. They also provide access to funding and support focused on assisting businesses to grow. Support available includes:
- an assessment of business needs, which will help the Regional Business Partners to point you to appropriate information, advice, and support
- NZTE Capability Development Vouchers, which the managers of eligible small businesses can use as partial payment for the cost of management capability building services
- research and development funding via MSI's TechNZ programme of funds and services.
Our aim is to make it easier for business owners and managers to understand what steps they should take to grow their business, and where to find information and assistance to do so.
NZTE Capability Development Vouchers
NZTE Capability Development Vouchers are available through your local Regional Business Partner.
The vouchers can be used to help you access services that build your management capabilities, which in turn may accelerate the growth of your business.
To be eligible for the vouchers your business needs to:
- have fewer than 50 employees
- be registered for GST in New Zealand
- operating in a commercial environment
- privately owned or a Maori Trust
- demonstrate a desire to innovate and grow.
Vouchers can not be allocated until you have been assessed by your local Regional Business Partner.
What areas can I get funding for?
There are a number of areas within your business that you can get assistance with, for more details, you will need to speak to a Regional Business Partner near you but here are the general categories:
- Business Planning
- Marketing Strategies
- Finance
- Business Systems
- Managing Resources
- Governance
- Sustainability
- Lean Manufacturing/Business Operations
- Exporting
- Investment Ready
MSI Research and Development
Business R&D is a key driver of innovation, business success and economic growth. Good ideas can lead to new products and services, smarter ways of doing things and a point of difference that sets your business apart.
Regional Business Partners provide a range of MSI services to help your business grow through all stages of R&D - whether you are a small start up or a large established exporter. Funding can range from $1,000 to $1 million plus.
We provide access to a range of services to help you grow through R&D to help you develop products and get to market faster. The services include:
- Project funding for R&D projects to develop new technology products, processes or services
- Capability funding for fellowships and internships ranging from undergraduate to post-graduate students
- Capability funding to engage world class experts to build your R&D capability
- Access to MSI’s Global Expert service to connect you with the right national and international experts
- Engagement with Crown Research Institutes and universities
- Providing connections to businesses engaged in R&D and innovation.
Online Training
Please visit www.business.govt.nz to access online training
