Business support agencies

Business support organisations

(ARC) - The Association Resource Trust is a membership-based organisation for Associations, Societies and Trusts. Benefits to these organisations are through competent professional advice, knowledge acquisition and enrichment through a range of topics including legal obligations and tax issues specific to these types of companies.

AUT Technology Park develops start-up companies in a supportive incubator environment, where businesses can build on success and university projects can interface with the commercial world. The park provides opportunities for technology based start-ups to develop innovative high-tech ideas into commercial products. A range of services are available to help start-up businesses to successfully reach market launch stage.

(BIZ) - Business Information Zone is the whole-of-government business portal designed to make it easier to run your business. It is an online business advisor, providing a gateway to business resources. The site includes easy-to-understand information on tax, employing staff, workplace safety and health, ACC and other key compliance areas. It includes information on business training, grants, finance, tips on good business practice, e-business, exporting, growing a business, and other topical business areas.

(BMNZ) - Business Mentors New Zealand is the national mentoring service. This organisation, operating with over 1,400 volunteer mentors and administered by 15 regional Agencies provides a national mentor network to help any New Zealand company which has been in business for at least 12 months and has less than 25 employees.

(BNI) - Business Network International is a business and professional referral organisation whose primary purpose is to exchange qualified business referrals and develop word-of-mouth marketing techniques. BNI provides its members with a structure and a plan to enable them to network in a deliberate and professional manner. BNI keeps track of the number of referrals passed by each chapter and the dollar value of the business they receive.

Business consultation is part of the Ministry for Economic Development. This website provides the opportunity for businesses and people interested in business to provide their opinions on government regulations. When government agencies want to find out business views on proposed or existing regulations, they may seek from the database the names of people with an interest in business who wish to be contacted. The website automatically notifies people on the database of any relevant public consultation.

Business finance NZ - specialist financial advice and services helping you identify your best business finance options to secure your New Zealand business for sale opportunity.

Business New Zealand is the policy and advocacy wing of the employers and manufacturers associations. They promote a competitive growing economy and higher living standards through business success and they champion policies leading to a range of benefits such as balanced employment, economic and environmental legislation and low compliance costs.

BusinessWise is designed to help small businesses in NZ cut through the red tape of legal compliance. The site offers a range of material - commentary, news, checklists, case studies and topical articles. There is also a self-diagnosis tool allowing you to measure your business compliance risk.

Cluster Navigators are specialists in cluster development. They support economic development agencies in upgrading the competitiveness of their communities. Their approach is to introduce the benefits of cluster development, train cluster facilitators and support facilitators in initiating and then upgrading their clustering initiatives.

(COER) - The Centre for Organisational Excellence Research at Massey University integrates a number of innovative initiatives aimed at helping organisations to significantly improve their business performance. These initiatives focus on benchmarking, best practices, and organisational excellence.

(EDANZ) - The Economic Development Association of New Zealand was established as a response from agencies who recognised the benefits that could be gained from working collaboratively, especially with regard to investment attraction. EDANZ provides a full range of member services, including networking, conferences, information and government lobbying.

(EMA) - The Employers and Manufacturers Association is a membership organisation that promotes the success of business through representation, knowledge and support. It has a key role in supporting its members in growing and developing their business, advising on topics such as employment relations. EMA also runs the Thrive Auckland small business event.

(ENZ) - Export New Zealand is a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), not for profit incorporated society with national coverage representing New Zealand exporters. ENZ specifically focuses on helping its membership of exporters and exporter service providers, grow their business in the international market place. It achieves this by working with all levels of government to promote favourable policy, providing knowledge and information about the sector, performance development seminars and networking opportunities.

Franchise New Zealand provides details of over 175 different franchise opportunities now available in New Zealand. They provide advice and articles containing vital info about franchises. You can search for opportunities by name, industry and investment. You can find a master franchise opportunity from overseas or a franchise advisor to help you with your business purchase.

Homebiz Buzz provides information, resources and networking opportunities specific to home businesses in NZ, to help make business both fun and successful for people working from home. Homebiz Buzz is an independent website serving home business, small business, entrepreneurs and the self-employed in NZ.

ICEAngels support new business ideas.

The ICEAngels are a premier group of investors who foster growth in early stage or start up companies. ICEAngels are the largest Angel group in Australia and New Zealand and in the past few months have raised over $3.3million in five early stage company opportunities. The ICE Angel investors, who mentor the entrepreneur and sit on the Board of Directors, provide industry experience, global networks, corporate governance, and domain knowledge, which enable these companies to accelerate their growth.

Auckland City Council is behind the work of ICEAngels and the organisers objectives to bring SMART money, provide industry experience, global networks, corporate governance and domain knowledge, which enables the investee companies to accelerate growth.

(ICN) - The Industry Capability Network identifies possible manufacturers and service organisations, evaluates their capacity to meet business requirements, and nominates suitable, competitive suppliers to the purchaser. ICN operates within the purchaser's time constraints and handles enquiries in confidence.

Investment New Zealand is a division of NZ Trade and Enterprise (NZTE). NZTE operates an extensive global network of offices that connect NZ businesses to global opportunities. As New Zealand's single contact point for international investors, INZ helps identify sustainable business prospects and tailor investment solutions for overseas investors.

(INZ) - Incubators New Zealand oversees New Zealand's 14 incubators, assisting more than 100 resident companies by providing a vehicle for its members to work together and pool resources. They promote, foster and grow this young industry and provide it with a unified voice. INZ collaborates with other organisations that work with start-up and innovative businesses.

(IONZ) - The investment opportunities in New Zealand scheme links registered investors to private equity / venture capital opportunities from a range of industries. Currently the deal flow is sourced from the private sector brokers through the NZTE funded Escalator Service.

(ITOC) - The Inbound Tour Operators Council is a trade association representing the New Zealand inbound tourism industry and tourism industry operators. ITOC plays a key role within the tourism industry in New Zealand. Membership provides marketing and networking opportunities, industry influence, quality standards, good communication and competitive advantage.

(KEA) - Kiwi Expat Association provides a central clustering point for New Zealanders currently living offshore or with a NZ connection. KEA provides networking opportunities in a moderated, professional manner. Benefits include business and sector-focussed events worldwide and emails covering events, partner programmes and initiatives and NZ-specific business news.

(NZBEF) - The New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable trust set up by private and public enterprise to help improve the overall performance of NZ organisations. NZBEF helps businesses improve bottom line results along with improved relationships for customers, staff and other stakeholders.

NZBio /Auckland is an incorporated society representing the New Zealand biotechnology sector. They have a broad range of members engaged in a number of different activities, and strong connections into regional and national networks.

NZBio /Auckland is the largest regional group. Auckland city is the hub of the biotechnology industry, with the major research institutes and the vast majority of core biotechnology companies choosing Auckland as home.

(SBN) - The Sustainable Business Network is a forum for businesses that are interested in sustainable development practice to get together and make it happen. SBN is a membership organisation and provides access to information, advice, practical tools, networking events, seminars, conferences, topical news updates and a quarterly newsletter.

(SCIF) - The Seed Co-investment Fund is a new government-funded investment initiative that encourages small to medium sized businesses with strong growth potential (particularly in technology). It will be available for co-investments of up to 50 percent of an equity investment, with other investor groups contributing the balance required.

Small Business Enterprise Centres offer support to new and existing business enterprises through practical business facilitation, referrals, introduction to government departments, local businesses and consultants, business courses, seminars, workshops as well as ongoing support and networking.

SmartNet helps organisations keep up to date with business and technology trends, opportunities and issues. It connects key decision-makers via regular events and meetings. SmartNet is the largest NZ-based innovation network linking the private and public sectors to facilitate new opportunities for NZ enterprises.

Sparkbox provides start up services and cash to early stage business concepts with high international growth potential in the information and communications sectors. They focus on assisting new businesses gain their first 'brand name' customers and partners along with next stage capital investors, to expand to larger offshore markets and increase company valuations.

The Auckland Chamber of Commerce positively influences the environment in which businesses operate and by providing opportunities, products and services that will improve the success and vitality of businesses. Activities include information on developing business issues, marketing networks and events and many other member benefits.

The British Council is the UK's agency for international cultural relations. In New Zealand they connect young people with creative ideas and learning opportunities from the UK, focussing particularly on arts, science and education. This is done through a variety of projects each year which encourage the exchange of ideas and information between New Zealand and the UK.

The ICEHOUSE is a non-profit business growth centre with experience in assisting entrepreneurs and young companies through its tailored programmes. It is specifically designed to help both owners and managers transform their businesses.

The centre is a collaborative partnership between the University of Auckland Business School, the Boston Consulting Group, Telecom New Zealand, Bank of New Zealand, Ernst & Young, HP and Microsoft.

The ICEHOUSE has a range of growth interventions for the SME sector, including incubation programmes, regardless of the business life cycle stage, particularly for high growth, international ventures. Auckland City Council is joining forces with the ICEHOUSE Accelerator to present the Kick Start seminar series designed to specifically assist entrepreneurs to commercialise their venture.

The Trans-Tasman Business Circle is a corporate leaders network in Australia, NZ and beyond. They are the premier forum for international business and political speakers, and hold regular business events in Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Wellington. They provide subscribers with opportunities to meet the most senior decision makers in leading trans-Tasman companies.

(TIANZ) - The Tourism Industry Association New Zealand is a membership-based and funded organisation representing the interests of over 3,500 businesses throughout the tourism industry. They provide industry advocacy, business networking, a tourism conference, tourism awards, industry development programmes and membership services.

(TNZ) - Technology New Zealand assists companies undertaking research and development (R&D) projects which result in new products, processes or services. The role of TNZ is to support companies wanting to overcome specific technical barriers which are likely to be part of the research and development phase. Funding schemes are listed.

WHK Gosling Chapman, Chartered Accountants, specialise in award-winning business consultancy and advisory services for corporates, family and owner managed businesses, private clients and professional partnerships. The firm also offers a complete range of traditional chartered accountancy services.

Working Well, a division of the Mental Health Foundation, supports employers and managers to create more mentally healthy workplaces in New Zealand.

Updated September 2008